Sesc Flamengo reinforcement, Simone Lee arrives in Rio de Janeiro

Flamengo announced this Wednesday (13) that it has terminated its sponsorship agreement with Pixbet . The contract, valid from January 2024, was for two years (until December), with the possibility of automatic renewal for two more seasons — a clause that should be activated in September.

Expected values with PixBet:

• 2024 – R$ 105 million
• 2025 – R$ 115 million
• 2026 – R$ 125 million
• 2027 – R$ 125 million

The agreement also included FlaBet, Flamengo's own betting house, managed by PixBet:

• 2024 – R$ 10 million
• 2025 – R$ 22.5 million
• 2026 – R$ 25 million
• 2027 – R$ 25 million

CLUB IS DISPUTED

The favorite to take over Flamengo's master sponsorship , SuperBet, faces stiff competition from Betano. The club has not yet decided on a new partner, but expects to sign a contract starting in September. Both companies have submitted three-year proposals, with values exceeding R$200 million per season and bonuses for targets, which could make the deal even more lucrative.

According to the ge portal, SuperBet's offer would surpass the contract signed with São Paulo, valued at R$600 million through 2030 , and could reach R$1 billion once the goals are met. Flamengo is working to make the new deal the largest sponsorship in Brazilian football.

CURRENT SITUATION WITH PIXBET

The relationship began to strain after delays in installment payments, a situation the company admitted, acknowledging difficulties in honoring upcoming commitments . There are indications that PixBet will not exercise the renewal clause and will leave the club.

FLAMENGO PLAN

Flamengo 's board of directors wants to end the partnership in September so that the new sponsor can take over the uniforms immediately. PixBet is pleased with this possibility due to the outstanding amounts , but if an amicable agreement isn't reached, the termination will only take place in December, as stipulated in the contract.

Besides SuperBet and Betano, other bookmakers approached the club but withdrew due to the high fees required. If PixBet's exit is confirmed, the next sponsor will need to cover not only the master contract but also the corresponding amount for FlaBet .

Flamengo has gained a high-speed "reinforcement." Four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel received a club shirt autographed by Zico , the greatest idol in the club's history. The delivery took place last Monday (11), during the opening dinner of Rio Innovation Week.

Vettel, who retired from Formula 1 in 2022, is in Brazil to participate in the event that discusses technology and innovation with a focus on sustainability, a cause he embraced even before leaving the track . The event also features other athletes, such as gymnast Rebeca Andrade, who represents Flamengo .

FLAMENGO TEAM?

Vettel isn't the only driver to wear the Sacred Mantle. Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto, currently in Formula 1, appeared wearing the Flamengo jersey in a photo before his debut in the category. At the time, he had won a race in Austria in Formula 2.

OTHER DRIVERS AND THEIR CLUBS

On the current Formula 1 grid, Max Verstappen is a Vasco fan due to the influence of his father-in-law, three-time champion Nelson Piquet . Meanwhile, British driver Lando Norris received a Palmeiras jersey in 2023 and has adopted the jersey as his trademark ever since.

WHEN DOES FLAMENGO PLAY?

Flamengo takes the field this Wednesday (13) in the first leg of the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores against Internacional. The match will be at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã . The match will be broadcast by Rede Globo (open TV), ESPN (closed TV) and Disney+ (streaming).

On July 31, 2024, Flamengo completed the purchase of the Gasômetro land for R$138.1 million . With over 88,000 square meters and a strategic location in central Rio de Janeiro—next to the Gentileza Terminal and Novo Rio Bus Station—the space was quickly associated with the Flamengo stadium project. However, 12 months later, the situation is uncertain under the club's new management .

The acquisition was completed in the final months of Rodolfo Landim's presidency. But in December, Flamengo 's presidential election brought Luiz Eduardo Baptista, known as BAP, to power, adopting a more cautious stance regarding the venture . According to him, the studies conducted during the previous administration were "preliminary" and required a complete review.

CLUB STILL WAITING FOR STUDIES

In April 2025, the club announced the hiring of three companies to conduct technical analyses and further evaluate the site. Coordination remains under the responsibility of Arena E+V, the same company chosen by Landim. At the time, the former president estimated the total cost of the project at less than R$2 billion, including surrounding improvements. BAP stated in February that the actual cost would be much higher—"R$3 billion or more."

According to the 'GE' portal, two of the three contracted companies have already submitted their reports . Soloteste completed the geotechnical studies in about 30 days. Shortly thereafter, JDS Engenharia de Precisão completed the topographic surveys. AECOM, responsible for the more complex analysis—involving soil contamination and risk assessment—was expected to deliver by October, but the deadline could extend until 2026.

DEADLINE HAS ALREADY EXCEEDED THE INITIALLY PROGRAMMED TIME

Bap on Flamengo's stadium: "It will take longer and cost more money than expected"

Another point still unanswered is the financial feasibility study commissioned from the Getúlio Vargas Foundation. In February, Bap stated that FGV had requested 60 days to submit the report. More than 120 days have passed, and the material has still not been released.

According to the 'GE' portal, neither Flamengo 's current president, Landim, nor Arena E+V have commented on the discrepancies in budgets and deadlines. There has also been no public disclosure of any of the studies commissioned to date.

In June, Bap summarized the current situation: " Studies show that it can't be done in the timeframe suggested or at the price quoted . Four companies are evaluating the work previously done, and the conclusion is that, unfortunately, it will take longer and cost more than imagined at the time," the president declared.