Lazio has ended its sponsorship agreement with Polymarket after the prediction market platform faced regulatory obstacles in Italy, bringing an early conclusion to one of the Serie A club’s biggest commercial partnerships.

The club confirmed that both parties agreed to terminate the deal by mutual consent after new measures introduced by Italian authorities affected the regulatory environment surrounding Polymarket’s operations.

Lazio had signed the agreement with the US-based company in 2026 after spending a prolonged period without a main shirt sponsor. The partnership was reported to be worth between €19 million and €22 million and was initially expected to run until June 2028, with an option for an additional season.

The agreement had represented a major commercial opportunity for Lazio, which had been the only Serie A club without a primary jersey sponsor during the previous campaign.

Italian Restrictions Force Early Partnership Exit

The sponsorship faced difficulties after Italian authorities classified Polymarket as a betting platform rather than a prediction market based on user-traded outcomes.

According to Football Italia (FI), Italy’s Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) blocked access to the platform, while Polymarket challenged the decision by arguing that its service differed from traditional betting activities.

The company appealed the decision through Italy’s administrative court system, highlighting the distinction between prediction markets and conventional gambling products. However, the court rejected the urgent appeal, stating that the matter required further examination before a final decision could be reached.

During the legal process, Lazio was unable to display Polymarket’s name and branding on its official kits.

The regulatory situation eventually led both sides to agree on ending the sponsorship arrangement ahead of schedule. Lazio confirmed that the agreement was reached while protecting the interests of both parties.

The club stated: “S.S. Lazio announces that it has reached a mutual agreement with Polymarket to terminate the sponsorship agreement entered into between the parties.”

“The agreement has been reached in a spirit of mutual cooperation and allows for the early termination of the partnership through a mutually agreed solution that safeguards the interests of both parties, in light of the new measures adopted by the competent authorities affecting the applicable regulatory framework.”

Polymarket To Complete 2026/27 Payment

Although the sponsorship relationship has ended, Lazio confirmed that Polymarket will still meet its financial obligation for the 2026/27 sporting season.

The settlement agreement requires Polymarket to pay the full amount due under the contract for that campaign, which was reported to be approximately half of the overall value of the original agreement.

Lazio and Polymarket also indicated that they intend to maintain communication despite the termination of the sponsorship.

The club added: “Notwithstanding the termination of their contractual relationship, the parties confirm that they have maintained a relationship of mutual respect and cooperation and intend to continue their institutional dialogue.”

The two sides left open the possibility of working together again if Italy’s regulatory position changes in the future.

The termination highlights the challenges faced by sports organisations when commercial partnerships involve companies operating in highly regulated sectors.

Polymarket’s sponsorship of Lazio came as prediction markets expanded internationally, while authorities in several jurisdictions continued examining whether such platforms should be treated differently from traditional betting operators.

For Lazio, the immediate impact is the loss of a major front-of-shirt partner after the club had spent several years searching for a leading commercial sponsor. The agreement had been viewed as a significant addition to the club’s revenue stream before regulatory developments changed the situation.