EGaming operator Dafabet is set to continue as Premier League side Sunderland's main sponsor until at least '19 after a new deal was agreed, according to Daniel Prince of the SUNDERLAND ECHO. The link-up was first announced in the summer of '15, "and the new agreement will see Dafabet become one of the club's longest-serving principal partners." Dafabet's key markets are Asia and the U.K., and with the company's support, Sunderland launched a Chinese-language website. The "power of the Premier League," which is recognized as the most-watched sporting league in the world, "has also given Dafabet increased exposure on a global platform" (
SUNDERLAND ECHO, 7/5). In Darlington, Scott Wilson reported as part of its ongoing commitment, Dafabet "will be undertaking a number of fan engagement initiatives, beginning with the gift of a giant crowd-surfer flag" to fans group Ha’way the Flags, to be used at the Stadium of Light on matchdays. The new flag will feature a current Sunderland first-team player, "and fans will be asked to vote online for the player they would most like to feature in the design" (
THE NORTHERN ECHO, 7/5).