- SportPesa has increased its sponsorship package for the 2026 National 7s Circuit to KES 34.14 million.
- Speaking at the RFUEA Grounds on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, the leading gaming firm reaffirmed its commitment to the growth of rugby.
- The sponsorship has more than doubled from the KES 15 million invested in last season’s circuit.
Leading online gaming firm SportPesa on Wednesday unveiled a monumental 34.14 million title sponsorship package for the 2026 National Sevens Circuit (NSC), which will unfold across five towns from July to September.
The sponsorship, renewed for the fourth consecutive year, sees the gaming powerhouse retain the naming rights, with the series once again branded as the SportPesa National Sevens Circuit.
This year’s investment marks a significant leap forward, as SportPesa has more than doubled their commitment from last season’s KES 15 million deal to over KES 34 million.
ALSO READ: KRU announces dates for the six-legged 2026 National 7s Circuit
Speaking during the launch at the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) headquarters based at the RFUEA Grounds, SportPesa Public Relations and Advertising Manager Willis Ojwang reaffirmed the company’s dedication to fostering local competition, building on their existing backing of the men’s national rugby 7s side.
“The National Sevens Circuit is the heartbeat of Kenyan rugby and the foundation upon which future national stars are built.
We have watched this competition produce players who went on to become Africa 7s champions, represent Kenya at the Olympic Games and elevate our standing on the global stage.
That is the proof of concept and we welcome other like-minded partners to join us in supporting this platform.”
Of the entire sponsorship package, 16.14 million will flow directly into the competitive infrastructure of the game, supporting host clubs, KRU operations and prize money across all six legs.
The remainder will be channelled into enhancing fan engagement through improved broadcast production, livestreaming and matchday experiences.
Host clubs will receive KES 6 million collectively, double the KES 3 million allocated last season, with each host club pocketing KES 1 million.
ALSO READ: SportPesa pump 15 million to back National 7s Circuit for third straight year
Another 6 million has been earmarked for the Kenya Rugby Union Secretariat to facilitate tournament organisation and administrative expenses, also up from 3 million last year.
Content production, media coverage, marketing, and livestreaming will receive kes 9 million, an increase from 6 million in the previous campaign.
A further 4.14 million has been set aside for prize money, nearly doubling last season’s allocation of 2.3 million and significantly boosting rewards for participating teams.
2026 SportPesa National 7s Circuit Dates
The circuit will kick off in Nakuru County with the Prinsloo Sevens on the 25th and 26th of July, marking the first stop of the annual sevens caravan.
Here, Strathmore Leos will be out to defend their crown for a third straight time after clinching it last season.
From there, teams will head west to the lakeside city of Kisumu for the Dala 7s, scheduled for the 1st and 2nd of August.
This tournament was the concluding outing last season, where KCB were crowned both event and overall champions.
Following a one-week break, action resumes on the 15th and 16th of August with the George Mwangi Memorial Kabeberi 7s, which served as the penultimate leg last season – a tournament KCB also won.
The competition then shifts to the coast for the Driftwood Sevens in Mombasa on the 22nd and 23rd of August.
This event marked the beginning of the previous season, where KCB Rugby dominated throughout, and they will aim to replicate that success this year.
Another short breather will precede the final stretch, beginning with the Embu 7s on the 5th and 6th of September.
Embu will host for only the second time since joining the circuit last season. Strathmore Leos, who have dominated sevens rugby in Embu, will look to retain the crown they won there.
The 2026 circuit will then conclude in Nairobi at the iconic Christie Sevens, which will celebrate its 60th edition, bringing the curtain down on what promises to be a memorable season.
The Bankers will arrive as the defending champions, aiming to safeguard their title.
The SportPesa National 7s Circuit 2026 sponsorship package will be allocated as follows:
- KES 6 million will be distributed among host clubs, with each club receiving KES 1 million.
- KES 6 million will be allocated to the KRU Secretariat to support tournament organisation and administration.
- KES 9 million will be dedicated to content production and livestreaming.
- KES 2 million will go towards circuit fan merchandise.
- KES 9 million will be invested in fan engagement and experiential activities.
Prize Money Breakdown
Division One – Men
- Winners – KES 150,000
- First Runners-up – KES 75,000
- Second Runners-up – KES 40,000
Division One – Women
- Winners – KES 100,000
- First Runners-up – KES 50,000
- Second Runners-up – KES 25,000
Division Two – Men
- Winners – KES 70,000
- First Runners-up – KES 30,000
Overall Circuit Winners
Men
- Winners – KES 300,000
- First Runners-up – KES 150,000
- Second Runners-up – KES 100,000
Women
- Winners – KES 200,000
- First Runners-up – KES 100,000
- Second Runners-up – KES 50,000
2026 SportPesa National 7s Circuit Dates
- Prinsloo Sevens (Nakuru): July 25–26
- Dala 7s (Kisumu): August 1–2
- Kabeberi 7s: August 15–16
- Driftwood Sevens (Mombasa): August 22–23
- Embu 7s (Embu): September 5–6
- Christie Sevens (Nairobi): September 12–13