Betfred is set to cut ties with rugby league’s Super League in a move that would put to an end a partnership which has lasted nearly 10 years.

One of the sport’s leading publications, Love Rugby League, reported earlier today that the partnership looks unlikely to be extended beyond the 2026 season.

The partnership is one of the longest running commercial deals in UK sports, and has been expanded in recent years to cover the Challenge Cup, Wheelchair Rugby League, World Club Challenge and the Women’s Super League.

It follows the news that the UK gambling giant is set to close 132 stores as it feels the strain of tax increases in its home country.

Founder Fred Done apologised profusely as around 600 jobs are set to be lost and said the decision felt “like killing your own babies”. 

This is the first development post-Autumn Budget that we have seen from Betfred in regards to potentially cutting its marketing budget, though.

The Warrington-based business had shown no slowing down on that front, having renewed horse racing partnerships. It recently continued its sponsorship of all five British Classics. 

This continued a relationship which began in 2025. Shortly after the deal was announced, Chief Executive Officer Joanne Whittaker spoke to SBC News about both the importance and the sentimental value of the partnership.

“The Five Classics … for Fred especially, that was a real personal moment, a peak of his career, that we are able to sponsor those five classic races that he’s grown up with his whole life,” she said.

“That was a real momentum point for us to sponsor those five races, and be the first sponsor to ever sponsor all five. We’re trying to support racing and elevate racing.”

The importance of the Super League to Betfred

When speaking to SBC News last year, Whittaker also reiterated how crucial the Super League sponsorship has been to Betfred, adding that rugby league “is part of who we are”. 

The importance of the Super League partnership has not been lost on anyone in the company. 

Mark Pearson, Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications, told SBC News before the start of the season in February: “It’s our tenth season of sponsoring the Betfred Super League and the partnership has become part of our brand. 

“Rugby League has strong, northern and working class roots which is very much the Betfred DNA. Plus the Betfred Super League is top class entertainment by top class athletes. 

“We work very closely with RFL Commercial, it’s a partnership and we understand each other. What we also love about partnership is that Rugby League is the most inclusive sport in the World. That’s why we also sponsor the women’s and wheelchair game.”

What is for sure is that rugby league’s top tier in the UK will remain as the Betfred Super League at least until the conclusion of this season, which will be followed by the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. 

SBC News has approached Betfred for comment on whether the Super League sponsorship will expire.