São Paulo’s leading football clubs have joined forces to oppose a proposed municipal restriction on betting advertising, arguing that the measure could undermine sponsorship income and place teams based in Brazil’s largest city at a commercial disadvantage.
Representatives of Corinthians, Palmeiras, Santos, São Paulo and Juventus met at the Federação Paulista de Futebol (FPF) to coordinate their response.
According to Brazilian sports outlet ge, the meeting involved around 40 representatives from the clubs’ marketing, communications and legal departments, alongside executives from five betting operators.
The main proposal under discussion is Bill 560/2025, led by São Paulo city councillor João Jorge and supported by multiple co-authors.
According to the official Câmara Municipal de São Paulo record, the bill would prohibit advertising by sports betting companies and online gambling operators at sports events held in the municipality.
The measure would also require the city government to conduct educational campaigns on gambling-addiction risks.
The Câmara states that affected parties would have 90 days to adapt before penalties applied. Potential sanctions include a R$50,000 fine, suspension of operating licences and, in more serious cases, a ban on holding events in São Paulo for up to two years.
The Câmara’s Constitution, Justice and Participatory Legislation Committee issued a favourable opinion on the bill’s legality on 19 August.
The proposal was subsequently discussed at a public hearing held by the Administration Committee on 9 September. While ge reported on 11 September that a first plenary vote was expected during the week of 7–13 September, the latest official Câmara material reviewed did not confirm whether that vote was scheduled, held or concluded.
The clubs argue that a city-specific advertising restriction could disrupt existing commercial agreements and leave São Paulo-based sides at a disadvantage against rivals in other Brazilian states.
According to ge, the betting sponsorship agreements of Corinthians, Palmeiras and São Paulo are collectively worth around R$350m annually. The outlet also reported that Flamengo’s betting sponsorship is valued at nearly R$270m a year.
Ge reported that the prevailing interpretation was that PL 560/2025 would not prohibit betting brands from appearing on club shirts. However, the issue remains unresolved, with councillors discussing possible amendments and the final scope dependent on the version of the bill that advances through the legislative process.
According to ge, the clubs and betting operators are considering a collective response, including educational initiatives, possible legal or political action, and discussions with municipal leaders