Solana-based meme coin Maneki has signed a sponsorship deal with Sheffield United, marking the first-ever football shirt sponsorship featuring a meme coin. The partnership will see Maneki’s cat emblem appear on the Blades’ jerseys starting October 18, just in time for their match against Leeds United. This move is poised to expose the cryptocurrency to a broad audience of football fans.
- Meme Coin Sponsorship: Maneki’s logo will feature prominently on Sheffield United’s shirts for the first time, giving the meme coin significant visibility in the sports world.
- Available Options for Fans: Fans can purchase the team’s shirts with or without the sponsor’s logo, with those who have already bought a jersey able to add the logo free of charge.
- Growing Crypto Influence: With traditional betting companies being phased out as sponsors, cryptocurrency firms like Maneki are stepping in, taking advantage of the marketing opportunities in football.
Launched in May, Maneki has amassed over 73,000 holders, with a total token supply valued at $65 million. Despite the recent downward trading, the meme coin surged 67% in the last seven days, fueled by the sponsorship news. This deal highlights the growing presence of web3 firms in the sports industry, particularly as they replace betting sponsors following a ban by the English Football Association.
As more meme coins gain traction, the trend of crypto partnerships in sports is likely to grow, continuing the shift of web3 projects into mainstream industries.
