Sports marketing consultancy Strive Sponsorship has brokered a new multi-year partnership between SBK, the sportsbook app from Smarkets, and Bradford City AFC, newly promoted to EFL League One. The collaboration aims to deepen fan engagement and drive measurable brand impact for SBK through content innovation and strategic alignment.

The deal positions SBK as one of Bradford City’s main partners and official betting sponsor. The partnership’s centrepiece is the launch of a new club podcast, designed to give fans exclusive behind-the-scenes access, nostalgic stories, and in-depth interviews with past and present figures from the club.

The tie-up follows an insight-led strategic review of the English football ecosystem conducted by Strive on SBK’s behalf. This review identified rights holders whose brand values, audience profile, and commercial proposition aligned with SBK’s mission to grow awareness and salience in a crowded betting market.

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“It’s been an absolute pleasure supporting long-term client SBK throughout this process, said Malph Minns, Managing Director at Strive.

“They’ve really bought into the data-led, insight-driven methodology we’ve developed to guide partnerships that aren’t just visible—but valuable.

“The City team have been incredibly collaborative, and I’m excited to see the partnership come to life—especially with the podcast bringing fans closer to the club’s story.”

The deal showcases how Strive blends market intelligence, rights negotiation, and fan-focused activations to deliver partnerships that serve both brand objectives and supporter experience. For SBK, the podcast provides a powerful content platform to deliver long-term brand affinity, while Bradford City AFC benefits from a new media channel to build deeper connections with its loyal fanbase.

Adam Baylis, Marketing Director at SBK, said: “Strive undertook a data-led strategic review of English football for us over the summer, identifying opportunities that fit within a clear strategy to help us build brand awareness and brand salience.

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“They also led on contract negotiations, securing us the rights we need to deliver value to the business.

“As a result of that work, we are thrilled SBK will be partnering with Bradford City AFC. Together, we will be bringing fans closer to the action and backing the Bantams every step of the way in what will be a really exciting season in Sky Bet League One.”

Davide Longo, Chief Commercial Officer at Bradford City AFC, added: “We are incredibly pleased to welcome SBK on board as the club’s official betting partner and will look forward to working closely with them over the next two seasons.

“The introduction of a Bradford City podcast will help bring supporters closer to their club, hearing stories from former players and other guests each month.

“Working with Strive has been an absolute pleasure. They are an incredibly thorough and professional outfit who are diligent in approach and work with a smile.”

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Collaboration to integrate FairPlay’s AI and betting technology to deliver readers a richer engagement experience and enhanced access to betting opportunities

FairPlay Sports Media, the fan and AI-powered global sports media network, has announced a landmark strategic technology partnership with The Sporting News, one of the world’s most iconic sports publishers, to deliver richer, AI-powered analysis and betting opportunities across its global markets.

The deal will see FairPlay deploy its advanced BetTech and monetisation capabilities, including real-time odds, offers, and bet builder comparison product across key The Sporting News global markets, including the UK, Spain, Brazil, and Mexico, while also providing strategic direction for its digital betting initiatives.

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FairPlay will work directly with The Sporting News teams to operate at the core of its broader betting approach, cultivating global operator relationships, and ultimately, further monetise its vast global platform. The publisher will continue to own content generation and organic performance services, while leveraging AI-powered technology to drive engagement.

Stuart Simms, Group CEO at FairPlay Sports Media, said: “The Sporting News has developed a passionate, engaged audience of global sports fans over decades of producing first-class insight and analysis. This collaboration will not only deliver best-in-class betting tech, but we will also provide our expertise in building out varied and brand new betting-associated revenue streams.

“By integrating the best of our AI-powered predictive sports data, which levels the playing field for sports fans and bettors, as well as a broad managed service of innovative betting products, we’re looking forward to deepening the relationship between The Sporting News and its loyal readers, while giving sports fans smarter tools to maximise their betting activities and enjoyment.”

Martyn Jones, co-CEO at The Sporting News, added: “We’re fast becoming one the biggest and most influential independent sports sites in the world and are well positioned for growth as we head into the start of the football, NFL, and NBA seasons, while looking forward to a huge 2026 World Cup.  This is an exciting partnership with FairPlay, that will provide a deeper layer of insight and context for our audience.

“Along with the integration of revenue-driving technology, we’re looking forward to establishing a long-term relationship that will position The Sporting News as the go-to resource for both sports news and betting opportunities.”

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