Betfred will end its sponsorship of the Super League, Challenge Cup and England Rugby League at the conclusion of the 2026 season, bringing its decade-long partnership with the sport to a close as rising taxes and operating costs force the bookmaker to reduce spending.
RL Commercial confirmed the decision on 21 September, with Betfred owner Fred Done linking the withdrawal to the financial impact of the UK government’s latest gambling tax increases and wage inflation. The company will maintain its existing sponsorship commitments until the current agreements expire.
Betfred became the Super League’s title sponsor in 2017 and subsequently expanded its involvement across men’s, women’s and wheelchair rugby league. Its partnerships also include the Challenge Cup and sponsorship of England’s national teams.
The bookmaker renewed its agreement in 2023, extending its support through the 2026 season. However, Done said the company’s financial circumstances had changed following the government’s November 2025 Budget, prompting a review of its sponsorship expenditure.
The withdrawal follows Betfred’s announcement in July that it would close 132 betting shops, affecting approximately 600 employees. Done attributed those closures to higher taxes and wage costs, which have increased pressure on the company’s retail operations.
The bookmaker estimates that the closures will also remove £17.8 million in tax contributions and £4.2 million in annual payments to British horseracing.
Rhodri Jones, interim CEO of the Rugby Football League and managing director of RL Commercial, thanked Betfred for its contribution to the sport. He confirmed that the organisation is preparing to introduce new commercial partners across its competitions and England teams.
The sponsorship change comes as UK gambling operators adjust their budgets following substantial increases in gambling taxation. Betfred’s departure creates a vacancy in one of British rugby league’s most prominent commercial partnerships ahead of the 2027 season.