Premier League footballers may soon have the option to receive part — or even all — of their salaries in cryptocurrency, as blockchain technology becomes increasingly embedded in the sports industry. A new report exploring the future of digital currencies in sport highlights the growing likelihood that crypto will replace traditional payment methods for both player transfers and wages.
The findings follow a record-breaking year for crypto involvement in sports sponsorships, with more than £400 million spent in the 2024–25 season alone by blockchain and cryptocurrency companies on deals across various sports.
From Historic Transfers to a Potential Salary Revolution
The idea of using cryptocurrency in football transactions is not new, but it is quickly gaining momentum. In 2021, Spanish forward David Barral became the first professional footballer to be transferred between clubs using cryptocurrency. A year later, Brazilian side São Paulo made headlines after paying $6 million for Argentine midfielder Giuliano Galoppo through blockchain, marking one of the largest crypto-based transfers to date.
According to the Crypto Becomes an Integral Part of Sports report, more clubs and players are now exploring direct settlements via digital currencies such as Bitcoin or stablecoins. “One of the most promising trends is the growing use of cryptocurrency to handle football transfers,” the report states. “This method speeds up payments, eliminates cross-border banking delays, and avoids many of the complications associated with traditional transfers. As trust in the system grows and blockchain technology advances, paying player salaries and bonuses in crypto could soon become normal practice.”
Why Cryptocurrency Appeals to the Football Industry
For both clubs and players, the attraction of crypto payments lies in speed, security, and global accessibility. Traditional transfer transactions often face delays due to currency conversion, cross-border regulations, and banking processes. Cryptocurrency payments, on the other hand, can be executed instantly and without geographical limitations.
Additionally, stablecoins — digital currencies pegged to traditional assets like the US dollar — offer a way to avoid the volatility often associated with cryptocurrencies, making them more suitable for large, high-value transactions such as player wages and transfer fees.
Industry experts believe that as regulations tighten and blockchain systems become more transparent, the adoption of cryptocurrency for football salaries could become widespread, particularly in leagues with global player rosters.
Crypto Sponsorship in Sports on the Rise
Alongside the growth of crypto-based payments, the sports sponsorship market has seen a sharp increase in blockchain involvement. A recent report from sports marketing agency SportQuake revealed that sponsorship deals from crypto and blockchain brands jumped by 20% in the last season, surpassing £400 million in value.
Football leads the way, accounting for nearly two-thirds of new deals. Out of 34 new crypto-related sponsorship agreements, 20 were in football. Formula 1 has also benefited significantly, with its teams collectively earning $174 million annually from partnerships with cryptocurrency exchanges.
Big names such as Coinbase, OKX, Gate.io, and Crypto.com have secured major sports sponsorships, from shirt deals in football to branding partnerships in Formula 1 and even stadium naming rights in the United States.
The Return of the Crypto “Bull Market” in Sports
“The bulls are back,” SportQuake chief executive Matt House said, referring to the industry’s rebound from the so-called “crypto winter” of 2022/23, when falling market values led to a slowdown in sponsorship spending. “The crypto winter seems a long time ago as crypto sports sponsorship spend bounces back towards all-time highs,” House added.
Looking ahead, the Premier League’s decision to ban betting companies from occupying front-of-shirt sponsorship slots starting in the 2026/27 season could open the door for crypto exchanges to step in as major sponsors. With their significant marketing budgets and appetite for visibility, blockchain companies are expected to compete aggressively for this high-profile advertising space.
The Road Ahead for Crypto in Football
While the prospect of paying Premier League salaries in crypto may still be in its early stages, industry momentum is clear. The combination of high-value sponsorship deals, faster and borderless payment options, and growing trust in blockchain infrastructure is paving the way for wider adoption.
However, there are still challenges to address — including regulatory clarity, taxation rules, and player preferences regarding currency stability. As with any emerging financial technology, widespread adoption will depend on ensuring both security and compliance in line with international banking and sports governance standards.
If these hurdles are overcome, the next few seasons could mark a transformative era for football finance, where cryptocurrency moves from sponsorship boards and transfer headlines to the pay packets of some of the sport’s biggest stars.
