Starting the 2026 season with a fresh primary sponsor, Betnacional occupies the most visible position on the Cruzeiro club jersey. The change replaces Betfair, which had served as the primary sponsor for the last three years. The shift results from Flutter Brazil's broad plan to rebrand its products in the domestic market and highlight Brazilian identity even further.
The announcement came public during the 2025 Brazilian Championship, at Mineirao. The first half saw the team playing wearing the Betfair Brasil logo on the shirt. The players came back with Betnacional branding at the start of the second half. The scene surprised fans and made clear that the new partnership had begun.
Flutter Brazil explained that the shift is part of a plan to use each of its brands in a more focused way. Betnacional is being positioned as a brand that speaks directly to Brazilian football culture. Betfair will continue working in Brazil but will focus more on its global platform and its well-known brand. According to the group, both brands still hold strong value, but Betnacional will take a more central role with Cruzeiro starting in 2026.
Betfair Brasil has been the primary sponsor for Cruzeiro. The brand sponsored several initiatives with significant neighborhood influence during that time. These included the Caravana do Cruzeiro events in towns across Minas Gerais, the support for the Observatorio Racial through jersey space in youth teams, and the Betfera of the Month campaign that rewarded fans. Many supporters praised these actions, and club leaders said they are thankful for the partnership.
Even with the positive history, the club believes that the new partnership with Betnacional matches its next phase. The brand has grown fast in the Brazilian market and is known for campaigns that highlight national identity. Cruzeiro leaders say this will help the club stay close to its supporters and create new experiences on match days and online.
The transition was planned carefully to honor the work done by Betfair Brasil while opening space for a fresh start. Flutter Brazil’s leadership said the goal is to create a strong connection with fans, and that Betnacional has the right profile to deliver more local engagement. They also said the level of financial support for the club will stay solid and stable under the new deal.
Betnacional has been expanding its presence in Brazilian sports and entertainment. The brand often partners with media figures and music stars, and it plans to bring this energy into its work with Cruzeiro. The company also aims to support community programs, youth tournaments, and events that highlight the passion of the blue and white fan base.
The campaign in 2026 will require a lot of victories, and at the same time, the management is hoping that the new alliance will also build a power shift in the organization. The top management is aiming to support the upgrade of the areas of marketing, fan projects, and team development. They assert that the intention is to mix the old with the new so that the club is elevated to a brighter future.
One of the most significant off-field moves taken by the club at the time of the new season being prepared is the agreement with Betnacional. Cruzeiro is very hopeful that the partnership will bring in new concepts, increased fan participation, and rejuvenation, coming along with the club being at a critical point in its timeline.
