In a major step forward for Kenyan football, a significant 10-year partnership has been formed between the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and SportPesa. 

This KSh 1.12 billion deal, which renames the top league to the SportPesa League, is set to bring much-needed stability to the sport. 

The funding will not only help clubs with their daily operations and development programs but also greatly increase the prize money for winning teams, which will make the competition more exciting. 

As the new season begins on September 20, this agreement marks a fresh start for Kenyan football, promising a better future for players, clubs, and fans.

The agreement is designed to create a sustainable financial model for the league and its clubs. 

Over the next decade, the annual funding from SportPesa will increase from an initial 85 million shillings to 145 million shillings by the tenth year. 

This long-term commitment is a crucial step toward addressing the long-standing budget issues that have plagued local teams.

According to FKF President Hussein Mohammed, the partnership marks a “transformative chapter” for the league. 

A key aspect of the deal is the distribution of funds: 60% will go directly to the clubs as grants, while the remaining 40% will be used by the FKF to manage and operate the league efficiently. 

This structured approach is intended to allow clubs to invest in essential areas like training facilities, youth development programs, and player welfare, which are vital for building a stronger football ecosystem.

Beyond the consistent funding, the partnership introduces an enhanced rewards system to boost competition and player motivation. 

In a notable move, the prize money for the top three clubs has been significantly increased to a total of 20 million shillings. 

This comes after SportPesa’s CEO, Ronald Karauri, committed an initial 10 million shillings, which was then matched by a 10 million shilling contribution from the FKF.

Under the new structure, the league champions will receive a substantial 15 million shillings, with the runners-up and third-place teams taking 3 million and 2 million shillings, respectively. 

This dramatic increase from previous prize amounts is expected to heighten rivalries and provide greater financial security for players, making the league a more attractive destination for talent.

The 2025/26 SportPesa League season is scheduled to kick off on September 20. 

The matches will be broadcast live by Azam TV, a broadcast partner that has previously supported the league since securing a seven-year deal in 2023. 

The 18-team competition will feature a host of exciting matchups in its opening weekend, including:

With its new title sponsor, a clear long-term plan, and a focus on both financial stability and on-field incentives, the SportPesa League is poised to usher in a new era of growth and professionalism for Kenyan football.