Criciuma Esporte Clube has landed the biggest sponsorship deal in its history. The Brazilian football club announced that Bolsa de Aposta will serve as its master sponsor for the 2026 season.
The betting platform’s logo will appear prominently on the team’s shirts throughout the Brasileiro Serie B championship. The deal runs through the end of 2026 with an option to extend for two additional seasons.
Raquel Saliba, Marketing Director at Bolsa de Aposta, expressed strong confidence in the partnership. She stated that the company wants to support the club rather than just sponsor it. We are not coming just as a sponsor, but as a supporter brand that wants to walk alongside the club in this winning moment, she said.
The deal goes beyond shirt sponsorship. Bolsa de Aposta will also have branding rights at the Centro de Treinamento Antenor Angeloni training center and at Estadio Heriberto Hulse. This includes stadium screens and hospitality areas. The full partnership launches on February 12 when Criciuma faces Concordia Atletico Clube.
Moacir Fernandes, second vice-president of Criciuma, highlighted the financial significance. He called this the biggest overall-value contract ever signed by the club for a Serie B season. The deal ranks second only to sponsorships from when the club played in Brazil’s top division in 2024.
Bolsa de Aposta emphasized its commitment to responsible gaming. The company stated the agreement follows guidelines from the Brazilian Ministry of Finance. Brand ambassador Fabio Nettuno stressed the educational role betting companies should play.
The betting market in Brazil is currently going through a very significant moment of maturation, Nettuno said. Uniting this winning mentality with Criciuma’s tradition is the best possible scenario.
The partnership reflects the growing presence of betting sponsors in Brazilian football. As the market matures following recent regulatory changes, more clubs are securing major deals with licensed operators. This agreement shows how betting companies are investing deeply in local football culture beyond simple logo placement.
