• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Sanctions, Relegation Put Squeeze On Everton

  • Everton FC has cut ties with companies associated with sanctioned Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov.
  • The team could face relegation.
Everton-FC
Everton Football Club/Design: John Regula

Sanctions against Russian oligarchs, ripple effects from the pandemic, and poor performances on the field are putting Everton FC in a financial crunch.

The Premier League club is reportedly exploring financing options, including raising equity and debt, after suspending sponsorships with at least three companies connected to sanctioned Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov.

Other sources indicated that Everton is only raising funds for its new $655.6 million stadium.

  • Everton dropped its connections with USM Holdings, which held sponsorships and a $39.3 million naming rights option to the planned stadium.
  • The team also suspended deals with Russian companies MegaFon and Yota, removing names and logos from signage, shirts, and other materials.
  • Everton will not renew its partnership with jersey sponsor Cazoo, as the two sides could not agree to new contract terms.

The combined loss of those sponsorships approaches $39.3 million annually.

Everton lost a combined $327.8 million in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons.

Relegation Risk

Everton currently sits 17th in the 20-team Premier League, one place above the relegation zone.

An unfavorable finish could bump the team down to the second-division English Football League Championship, which would cut them out of the Premier League’s broadcast rights share. The league has secured $13.6 billion in broadcast rights for the upcoming three-year cycle.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Mar 7, 2026; San Jose, California, USA; New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin (30) warms up before the game against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center at San Jose

World Cup of Hockey Will Return, But Russia Question Looms

The NHL and NHLPA’s event isn’t bound to the IIHF’s Russia ban.
[Subscription Customers Only] Jun 15, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Botafogo owner John Textor inside the stadium before the match during a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Lumen Field.

The American Sports Owners Feuding Over a French Soccer Team

John Textor is at odds with Michele Kang and investment giant Ares.
Aug 27, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; Polina Kudermetova of Russia in action against Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus in the second round of the women’s singles at the US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Three Russian Tennis Players Have Switched Nationalities in Offseason

Aryna Sabalenka has said she plans to continue to represent Belarus.
Jul 27, 2024; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Wrexham AFC defender Max Cleworth (4) goes up for a header against Vancouver Whitecaps FC during the second half at BC Place.

Wrexham Welcomes Private-Capital Giant Apollo As Minority Owner

It’s the PE firm’s second soccer investment since launching Apollo Sports Capital.

Featured Today

Mar 27, 2026; Washington, DC, USA;UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) dunks the ball against the Michigan State Spartans in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena

March Madness Coaches Debate ‘Blueblood’ in NIL Era

The term’s meaning was up for debate at men’s March Madness.
Maxime Vachier Lagrave
March 25, 2026

The Planet’s Best Chess Players Are Having Their LIV Golf Moment

Chess’s most prestigious tournament is battling a splashy Saudi event.
Beau Brune/LSU
March 22, 2026

College Athletic Departments Are Becoming Media Companies

“There’s only so many tickets you can sell, but content is infinite.”
March 18, 2026

AI College Recruiting Reels Aren’t Fooling Scouts

College coaches and recruiters are way ahead of cheating athletes.

Bulls Players, Coaches Say Jaden Ivey Needs Help

Chicago cut Ivey on Monday for “conduct detrimental to the team.”
March 31, 2026

Chiefs Owner: Opener ‘Not on Table’ With Mahomes Status Unclear

Team owner Clark Hunt discusses Patrick Mahomes, TV, and the new stadium.
March 31, 2026

Steelers Waiting on Aaron Rodgers (Again)—With Higher Stakes

The NFL team again waits on a decision from the mercurial veteran.
Sponsored

Cameron Boozer & Cayden Boozer Talk Pressure, Benefit of Playing Together

The Boozer twins have built their games, and their identities, side by side.
March 30, 2026

Bulls Waive Jaden Ivey After Anti-LGBTQ Rants

Ivey was acquired by the Bulls last month before the trade deadline.
Sep 1, 2025; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Connecticut Sun guard Marina Mabrey (3) warms up before the start of the game against the Atlanta Dream at Mohegan Sun Arena.
March 30, 2026

WNBA Faces Political Heat Over Sun Relocation

“They virtually blocked any deal” to keep the team in Connecticut.
March 30, 2026

Mark Cuban Says He Regrets Selling Mavs to Adelson Family

Cuban still owns 27.7% of the Mavericks. 
Jun 28, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Botafogo midfielder Danilo (5) kicks the ball during the second half during a round of 16 match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Lincoln Financial Field.
March 30, 2026

John Textor’s Soccer Empire at Risk

Textor’s stakes in France’s Lyon and Brazil’s Botafogo are up for grabs.