Lazio Ends Sponsorship Deal with Polymarket Amid Legal Concerns
Lazio has announced the termination of its €19 million sponsorship agreement with Polymarket by mutual consent after the platform was deemed illegal in Italy.
The Aquile had been without a shirt sponsor for some time, making them the only club in Serie A last season without a primary commercial partner for their jersey.
ROME, ITALY – MAY 23: Fisayo Dele-Bashiru scores a goal during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Pisa SC at Stadio Olimpico on May 23, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
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Initially signed in April 2026 for two seasons with an opt-out for the 2028-29 campaign, the agreement was valued at €19 million.
However, strict Italian regulations concerning gambling promotion led to Polymarket losing an appeal to be recognized as a prediction market based on user odds exchange.
The Customs and Monopolies Agency in Italy (ADM) categorized it as a betting site and blocked access to it within the country.
This situation rendered it impossible for the club to maintain the sponsorship.
Lazio Statement on Sponsorship Termination
ROME, ITALY – MAY 17: Matteo Cancellieri of SS Lazio competes for the ball with Vinicius Wesley of AS Roma during the Serie A match between AS Roma and SS Lazio at Stadio Olimpico on May 17, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
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Lazio issued a statement saying, “S.S. Lazio announces that it has reached a mutual agreement with Polymarket to terminate the sponsorship agreement entered into between the parties.”
The statement added, “The agreement has been reached in a spirit of mutual cooperation and allows for the early termination of the partnership through a mutually agreed solution that safeguards the interests of both parties, in light of the new measures adopted by the competent authorities affecting the applicable regulatory framework.”
It detailed that Polymarket would pay Lazio the entire sum due for the 2026/2027 season as part of the settlement.
The statement also noted that despite the termination, both parties would continue to maintain a relationship of mutual respect and would keep lines of communication open.
“Should the applicable regulatory framework permit in the future, S.S. Lazio and Polymarket will look favourably upon the opportunity to establish a new partnership.”
Lazio have announced that their €19m sponsorship agreement with Polymarket has been terminated by mutual consent after the website was ruled illegal in Italy.
The Aquile had been without a shirt sponsor for a while, and last season were the only club in Serie A without a main commercial partner for the jersey.
ROME, ITALY – MAY 23: Fisayo Dele-Bashiru scores a goal during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Pisa SC at Stadio Olimpico on May 23, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
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They had signed the agreement with Polymarket in April 2026 and it was reported to be worth €19m, running for two seasons with an option for the 2028-29 campaign too.
However, there are very strict Italian rules on advertising public gambling, and Polymarket lost an appeal to be considered a prediction market based on an exchange of odds between users.
The Customs and Monopolies Agency in Italy (ADM) insisted it was a bettering site, and therefore blocked access to it from Italy.
With that in mind, it became impossible for the club to continue using them as shirt sponsors.
Lazio statement on Polymarket sponsorship
ROME, ITALY – MAY 17: Matteo Cancellieri of SS Lazio compete for the ball with Vinicius Wesley of AS Rom during the Serie A match between AS Roma and SS Lazio at Stadio Olimpico on May 17, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
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“S.S. Lazio announces that it has reached a mutual agreement with Polymarket to terminate the sponsorship agreement entered into between the parties,” read the statement.
“The agreement has been reached in a spirit of mutual cooperation and allows for the early termination of the partnership through a mutually agreed solution that safeguards the interests of both parties, in light of the new measures adopted by the competent authorities affecting the applicable regulatory framework.
“As part of the settlement agreement, Polymarket will pay S.S. Lazio the full amount contractually due for the 2026/2027 sporting season.
“Notwithstanding the termination of their contractual relationship, the parties confirm that they have maintained a relationship of mutual respect and cooperation and intend to continue their institutional dialogue.
“Should the applicable regulatory framework permit in the future, S.S. Lazio and Polymarket will look favourably upon the opportunity to establish a new partnership.”
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