Hey,
A lot of you joined Traderscale while our name was on the Stadium of Light, so I wanted to put the whole Sunderland story in one place: how it started, what happened, and why it came to an end in summer 2026.
Our first sponsorship of any kind
In February 2025, Sunderland AFC announced Traderscale as the club's first-ever Official Trading Partner. It was also our first sponsorship of anything — a multi-year agreement that put our branding across the club's digital platforms and throughout the Stadium of Light on every men's first-team matchday.
We'd spoken to clubs across the Championship and the Premier League before choosing. Sunderland stood out. The ambition, the crowd, and a buzz around the place you could feel from the car park. I said at the time that it was a club with something special happening. I was right sooner than anyone expected.
Promotion, then Europe
We signed while Sunderland were pushing for promotion. Months later they were a Premier League club. Our name was there through the whole 2025/26 top-flight season, and that season ended with the club qualifying for the Europa League.
A first-time sponsor and a returning giant, going up together. Being part of that ride was special, and it's the kind of story you can't buy — only back early.
What we built during it
The Sunderland years weren't just about visibility. They were the period Traderscale grew up as a brand. By the time the partnership handed over in summer 2026, the numbers spoke for themselves:
$5.5 million+ paid out to traders
1,000+ five-star reviews
500+ interviews with funded traders
Every one of those payouts is still on the blockchain, where anyone can check it.
Why it ended
Nothing went wrong. Sunderland were brilliant partners from day one.
The honest reason is distance. I'm from South Wales, and when I'm back in the UK the north-east is a long way to go for a player day, a filming session or a matchday. Too much of what we wanted to do up there died on the travel plans. When the chance came to partner with a club minutes from where I grew up, it made sense for everyone — and in July 2026 we became the Official Online Trading Partner of Cardiff City FC.
Sunderland, thank you for an unforgettable chapter.
Quick answers
When did the Sunderland partnership run? From the announcement on 21 February 2025 through the 2025/26 Premier League season, handing over to Cardiff in summer 2026.
Did it affect my account when it ended? No. Sponsorships change; your challenge rules, payouts and support don't.
Where can I read the original announcement?
Luke Gregory Founder, Traderscale
Questions about your account? Reach the team any time at [email protected] or through the chat in your dashboard.