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Real Madrid and Barcelona neck-and-neck as world’s most valuable football brands in the face of COVID-19

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5 years ago

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  • Real Madrid remain world’s most valuable football brand, but Barcelona narrow the gap to just €6 million
  • COVID-19 causes total brand value of top 50 clubs to decrease for the first time in 6 years – €751 million or 3.7% is knocked off
  • English clubs dominate the ranking with six brands in top 10 and 19 in top 50
  • Liverpool inches two spots up into 4th place, following historic Premier League win
  • Bundesliga’s 1. FC Köln is this year’s fastest-growing brand, followed by Leicester City and RB Leipzig – all recording over 40% growth
  • Tottenham Hotspur’s new stadium takes top spot in Buro Happold’s Venue Performance Rating

Real Madrid remain the most valuable football club brand in the world for 2020, according to the latest edition of the Brand Finance Football Annual. Boosted by winning the LaLiga title for the first time since 2017, the club retained its position at the top of the table in the football industry, but against a backdrop of economic and social disruption, caused primarily by the COVID-19 pandemic, Real Madrid’s brand value has declined by 14% to €1,419 million.

Real Madrid’s disappointing on-pitch performance prior to 2019-20, which saw an earlier-than-normal exit from the UEFA Champions League in 2018-19 and a second successive season adrift of LaLiga champions Barcelona, eroded the club’s dominance of the Brand Finance ranking. The situation was exacerbated by COVID-19, along with a lack of stability around the management of the team. Barcelona, Real’s fierce rivals, are just €6 million behind Real with a brand value of €1,413 million, supported by strong and diverse revenue generation and continued domestic performance in Spain.

COVID-19 knocks off €751 million of brand value

Real Madrid is not the only club to see a drop in brand value this year. COVID-19 has caused the total value of the top 50 football brands to decrease for the first time in 6 years. Through its effect on the three main revenue streams – Matchday, Broadcasting, and Commercial – €751 million or 3.7% has been knocked off the cumulative brand value of the world’s top 50 most valuable football clubs.

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged professional football worldwide and across all levels. Matchday income for the 501 games remaining in the big 5 leagues dropped to zero, but it is often the smaller clubs and leagues which are more reliant on this revenue stream – in Scotland it makes up 43% of total revenue, compared to only 13% in England.

There have been some positive signs, as Southampton vs Manchester City on BBC broke the Premier League TV audience record with 5.7 million viewers, but the longer-term damage to the game’s economic structure has yet to be revealed.

Richard Haigh, Managing Director of Brand Finance, commented:

“Top-level football has been confronted with the largest existential threat since the Second World War. Loss of income, coupled with health concerns about mass gatherings, have raised question marks about the future of the industry and the financial resilience of clubs across all levels. The full damage of the COVID-19 crisis has yet to unfold and it is not inconceivable there will be casualties in the form of club bankruptcies and changes in ownership.”

Despite the huge implications of COVID-19 for football clubs and their financial results, the majority of the brand value is secured by the clubs’ long-term future – provided they can survive the initial shock. For example, only 21% of Real Madrid’s brand value is delivered by the next five years’ financial results.

Premier power

Real Madrid and Barcelona are followed by a cluster of English Premier League clubs in the Brand Finance Football Annual 2020 ranking, with Manchester United in 3rd position after their brand value fell by 11% to €1,314 million. Liverpool, who won their first league title since 1990 in runaway style, are in 4th spot jumping above Manchester City in terms of brand value, rising from €1,191 million in 2019 to €1,262 million, a 6% increase. Chelsea dropped one place in the table to 8th after their value fell for the fourth consecutive year to €949 million. This was arguably due to the club being absent from the UEFA Champions League and also suffering a transfer ban after being charged with breaking Financial Fair Play Regulations.

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ONLY FIVE DAYS UNTIL ACR POKER UNLEASHES MASSIVE DUAL VENOM EVENTS WITH $12 MILLION IN GUARANTEED PRIZES

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April 8, 2025

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The $10 Million NLH and $2 Million PLO events start Sunday, April 13th, with top prizes projected at $1 million and $400,000 respectively

The countdown is on as ACR Poker’s flagship Dual Venom tournaments take center stage in just five days, boasting $12 million in guaranteed prize pools and spotlighting two major events: the $10 million NLH and $2 million PLO.

This Sunday, April 13th at 1:05pm ET marks the start of the two massive Venom events running side by side, offering players a chance to compete in some of the biggest tournament action on ACR Poker’s 2025 calendar.

The $10 Million NLH Venom starts with the first of five Day 1s this Sunday. Day 1 survivors will return for Day 2 on Monday, April 28th, and if they advance, continue to Day 3 on Tuesday. Day 3 survivors will compete for the Venom NLH title at the Final Table on Wednesday, April 30th at 4:05pm ET. With a $2,650 buy-in, the champion is set to win an estimated $1 million.

Meanwhile, the $2 Million PLO event spans three days and features a 6-max format. Also offering five Day 1 flights starting this Sunday, this tournament ties as the largest PLO event in ACR Poker’s history. The PLO champion is projected to win a top prize of $400,000, and players have the option to enter multiple Day 1s to build their stack heading into Day 2.

“We’ve all dreamed of that deep run in a big tourney. The best part about the Venom is anyone can take that shot,” said ACR Pro Chris Moneymaker. “Whether you buy-in directly or satellite in for a few bucks, NLH and PLO players are in for huge prize pools, great structure, and big poker action.”

For players still looking to lock in their Venom entry, ACR Poker is awarding over 1,000 seats through Venom Fever Satellites, with qualifiers starting at $0. The Beast, Venom Madness, Direct and Mega Satellites offer players affordable routes into both headline tournaments. Additional opportunities include the Venom Vault, which has already awarded over $150,000 in prizes and 22 X $2,650 seats.

ACR Poker is also hosting Venom Specials during every Day 1 and Day 2 of the Dual Venoms, featuring over $14 million in guaranteed prizes. Plus, the $500,000 GTD Venom Warmup has daily Day 1 flights running April 14th-27th, for a $66 buy-in.

For further details on the $12 Million guaranteed Dual Venom tournaments and other promotions, visit ACRPoker.eu.

The post ONLY FIVE DAYS UNTIL ACR POKER UNLEASHES MASSIVE DUAL VENOM EVENTS WITH $12 MILLION IN GUARANTEED PRIZES appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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NEW YORK CASINO IN MEXICO WELCOMES CONCEPT AND NEW GAMES FROM ZITRO

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April 8, 2025

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The renowned Mexican operator Logrand has installed Zitro’s new CONCEPT cabinets and a selection of its latest games at the New York Casino in Monterrey.

Building on its global success, the CONCEPT cabinet line stands out for its Magic Lighting, immersing players in a synchronized light display, resulting in a unique sensory experience. Furthermore, the cabinet’s large Screen Deck blends comfort with intuitive functionality, optimizing the experience for players and operational teams.

The installation of the CONCEPT cabinets is complemented by the addition of the medieval-themed multi-game Legendary Sword, in which players can double their prizes through unique mechanics with the help of a magic sword.

On the other hand, Fairyland Quest takes players to an enchanted forest where Magic Mushrooms give access to a different bonus each, while a friendly Fairy will give a special bonus that doubles the playing area.

Juan David Baracaldo, Director of Operations and Product, highlighted: “The addition of Zitro’s CONCEPT cabinets is a great step to continue offering unique and high-quality experiences to our players. The unique combination of technology, spectacular graphics, and the experience these cabinets offer will further elevate our casino’s entertainment offering.”

For his part, Johnny Ortiz Viveiros, founder of Zitro, expressed: “We are very excited to strengthen our partnership with Logrand, a strategic partner that shares our vision of providing exceptional gaming experiences. The new CONCEPT cabinets and games like Legendary Sword and Fairyland Quest are just the beginning of what will transform how players enjoy entertainment.”

 

The post NEW YORK CASINO IN MEXICO WELCOMES CONCEPT AND NEW GAMES FROM ZITRO appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Logifuture enters Mexico as Zoom Soccer via Aristocrat Interactive partnership

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April 8, 2025

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Logifuture, a leading supplier of award-winning iGaming products, has entered the Mexican market with Zoom Soccer, via its partnership with Aristocrat Interactive.

Zoom Soccer is a one-of-a-kind 24/7 virtual sports feed that delivers ultra-realistic, fully simulated matches and outcomes, featuring teams and leagues designed to feel familiar to fans. Built to complement real football offerings, it provides a non-stop, immersive betting experience.

With over 30,000 additional pre-match and in-play betting events each month, Zoom Soccer ensures sportsbooks stay engaging – not just during off-seasons but also during quieter moments of the day or week when real football options are limited. Thanks to existing partner integrations, it attracts tens of millions of bets every month.

The integration of Zoom Soccer is facilitated by Logifuture’s existing collaboration with Aristocrat Interactive. Through Aristocrat’s digital gaming platform, Logifuture is bringing its sophisticated products to millions of players across emerging markets, including Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America and Central America.

Niccolo Cassettari, Chief Business Development Officer at Logifuture, said : “We’re thrilled that sports fans in Mexico will now be able to experience Zoom Soccer, our 24/7 feed of virtual leagues built for sportsbook users. Offering both pre-match and in-play betting, it delivers an experience that closely mirrors real football, keeping users always engaged.

“As the demand for engaging nonstop sports content grows, this integration helps operators deliver. With a broader pre-match lineup and a live section constantly packed with soccer events, Zoom Soccer enhances the sportsbook experience for customers in Mexico.”

Morten Hauge, Head of Sports at Aristocrat Interactive iGaming & Sports, said: “Our partnership with Logifuture allows us to bring innovative and engaging virtual sports experiences to new audiences.

“The addition of Zoom Soccer in Mexico is a great example of how we’re expanding our digital portfolio to meet the growing demand for high-quality, immersive betting content. We’re excited to see how players respond and look forward to continued collaboration with Logifuture.”

The post Logifuture enters Mexico as Zoom Soccer via Aristocrat Interactive partnership appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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