Gemini has signed a five-year sponsorship agreement with Real Bedford Football Club. This deal, paid upfront in bitcoin, supports the club’s ongoing success and boosts opportunities for local children.
Gemini’s Commitment to Real Bedford
The long-term agreement solidifies Gemini’s commitment to aiding Real Bedford’s quest for Premier League status. Moreover, this follows a recent announcement that Winklevoss Capital, owned by Gemini founders Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, invested $4.5 million in bitcoin into the club in April 2024.
Real Bedford: The Bitcoin Football Team
Real Bedford, a non-league football club based in Bedford, was acquired by journalist and local resident Peter McCormack. Known as the “Bitcoin football team“, the club has fully integrated Bitcoin into its operations. Furthermore, players receive payments in Bitcoin, and fans purchase tickets and merchandise using the currency.
Consequently, Gemini began sponsoring the club in 2022, sharing a vision of supporting the digital economy’s growth and financial inclusion.
Sponsorship Details and Economic Strategy
Gemini’s five-year deal, one of the longest multi-year shirt sponsor deals outside the UK’s professional game, will be paid into the club’s Bitcoin treasury. This treasury safeguards the club against high inflation, supporting its ambitious goals.
Additionally, plans include developing a new training center and launching a youth football academy focused on underprivileged children in Bedford. The treasury thus plays a crucial role in protecting the club’s savings and investments.
Recent Successes and Future Ambitions
This announcement follows the club’s recent successes. Real Bedford has achieved two consecutive league promotions and cup wins, boasting an 81% win rate.
Marshall Beard, COO of Gemini, stated, “Our strategic five-year deal reaffirms our conviction that Real Bedford — powered by Bitcoin and Peter’s leadership — can defy the odds, upset the establishment, and dethrone incumbents. Through our investment, Real Bedford’s balance sheet will be fortified with digital assets, giving them advantages on and off the pitch. We can’t wait to see what the club achieves in the coming years.”
Peter McCormack’s Vision for Real Bedford
Peter McCormack, owner of Real Bedford, expressed his gratitude. “I want to extend a massive thank you to Gemini for renewing their sponsorship agreement with Real Bedford for another five years. By accepting payment in Bitcoin, this deal strengthens our economic foundations. In today’s climate of reckless government economic policies, marked by massive borrowing, high inflation, and soaring interest rates, hardworking people are bearing the financial burden.”
Gemini’s sponsorship deal with Real Bedford Football Club not only supports local sports and community initiatives but also advances crypto adoption by integrating Bitcoin into mainstream sports sponsorship. This pioneering partnership showcases Bitcoin’s utility and resilience, fostering broader recognition and acceptance in traditional sectors.
