Hibs clinch sponsorship deal with Marathonbet

Leeann Dempster and Alan Stubbs face the press as the sponsorship deal with Marathonbet is announced. Picture: SNS

HIBS have announced that worldwide bookmakers Marathonbet are to be the club’s main sponsor for the next two years.

The deal will bring in a ‘significant’ six-figure sum, with the bookies having their logo on the front of the players’ jerseys as well as operating in-house betting from the start of the new season.

Marathonbet take over from Crabbie’s who sponsored the Easter Road club for the past three years.

Chief executive Leeann Dempster welcomed the deal, adding: “We are excited about how our mutually beneficial partnership will develop moving forward.

“Marathonbet are an ambitious company who are aiming to grow substantially over the next few years. Hibernian shares similar goals and we’re confident the two brands will work well together as a team.

“Today’s launch sees the beginning of another new chapter for Hibernian and another fresh addition to the club as we look towards the start of the upcoming season.”

Marathonbet CEO Graham Luke believes the deal with offer the betting firm a ‘unique opportunity’ as it looks to establish itself in Scottish football.

He said: “We join the club at a time of rebuilding that also sees the introduction of a new chief executive and head coach, and these appointments underline the ambition of the club.

“These ambitions echo our own as we look to grow and expand into new territories and this agreement is a key vehicle in broadening the awareness of our brand and helping us reach our strategic goals.”

Marathonbet already sponsor Fulham FC and Dynamo Kyiv.

Pre-season friendlies

Meanwhile, Hibs have agreed a number of pre-season friendlies.

An Easter Road XI will play Vale of Leithen at Victoria Park on Saturday July 5, while Hibs will also visit League Two side Berwick Rangers, and Dunfermline, on July 12 and 15 respectively.

The pre-season programme will end with a clash against League One newcomers Stirling Albion at Forthbank on July 20.

Saturday July 5: Vale of Leithen v Hibs (Victoria Park, 3pm)

Saturday July 12: Berwick R v Hibs (Shielfield Park, 3pm)

Tuesday July 15: Dunfermline v Hibs (East End Park, 7pm)

Sunday July 20: Stirling Albion v Hibs (Forthbank, 2pm).