Flamengo Must Pay Six Players Without Betano Funds
A provisional measure targeting betting houses disrupts financial planning for installment-based transfers set for 2027 and 2028.
Flamengo was relying on 40 million reais per year from its Betano sponsorship deal to cover transfer installments for six players. Following a provisional measure banning betting houses, the Rio-based club and Brazilian soccer face a shifting budgetary landscape.
Flamengo will have to cover installment payments for six players without the expected revenue from its sponsorship contract with Betano. The report, published by journalist Diogo Dantas in the newspaper O Globo, explains that the club counted on 40 million reais per year between 2027 and 2028 to pay off past player acquisitions.
The list of athletes tied to these installment payments includes Lucas Paquetá, Gonzalo Plata, Emerson Royal, Samuel Lino, Joaquín Freitas, and Antony Valencia. In high-profile signings such as Lucas Paquetá—valued at over 42 million euros—standard market practice calls for structured installments aligned with cash flow.
Impact of the provisional measure on Flamengo's budget
Flamengo's financial planning relied heavily on its 268 million reais annual main shirt sponsorship with Betano. With the issuance of a provisional measure banning sports betting platforms in Brazil, the club will need to find alternative revenue streams to cover high commitments made for upcoming seasons. According to Bernardo, changing the rules mid-course creates significant instability even for well-managed clubs.
In the video above, Bernardo Ramos explains how the decision affects not only Flamengo, but the entire Brazilian soccer landscape. Clubs facing tighter financial situations, such as Corinthians, São Paulo, and Santos, are poised to suffer even more severe blows from the loss of revenue.
Repercussions across sports and media outlets
In an interview with João Guilherme on Flamengo TV, club president Bap noted that the fallout could trigger losses for Olympic sports and weaken state championships. Bernardo estimates it will be nearly impossible to replace a main sponsorship of equivalent value outside the sports betting sector, also dealing a blow to broadcasters and content creators partnered with brands such as Band Bet, Super Bet, and KTO.