Lord’s Cricket Ground axes BrewDog partnership following Tilray acquisition

Lord’s Cricket Ground has ended its official partnership with BrewDog early after the craft beer giant was sold to US drinks and cannabis firm Tilray Brands.

The partnership started in January 2025 and was due to last four years, with BrewDog supplying over 750,000 pints per annum at the London-based stadium, which has a capacity for 31,000 guests.

However, in a letter to members of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the owners of Lord’s, chief executive and secretary Robert Lawson confirmed the committee had decided to end its BrewDog contract early after 38 pubs closed and 484 staff were made redundant last week.

He wrote: “Following recent changes to the brewery’s business operations, the Club believes this is the right step to ensure certainty and continuity ahead of the 2026 season. A competitive tender process to appoint a new supplier for the coming season and beyond will now begin.”

Lawson said there will be “no disruption” to service at the ground ahead of the 2026 season and that the Club’s existing relationships with Adnam’s and Thornbridge, who provide real ale options around the grounds, remain unchanged.

He added: “We are proud that 2025 saw record beer sales at Lord’s, reflecting a strong first year of the partnership. However, our priority is to guarantee the high-quality matchday experience that Members and visitors rightly expect; to do this, we need certainty from our suppliers. We thank BrewDog for their contribution over the past year.”

The Caterer understands the early end to the contract was triggered by BrewDog falling into administration and being taken over by new owners, rather than as a result of poor sales.

BrewDog took over from Marston’s, which held the sponsorship and supply partnership with MCC from 2008.

The beer partnership marked the craft brewer’s first entry into sporting venues, with then-CEO of BrewDog James Arrow stating the deal was “one of the most monumental achievements we could ever hope for our business”.

The comprehensive range of BrewDog beers, including Punk IPA, Lost Lager, Wingman IPA and Black Heart Stout, were available in over 450 draught taps for 60 days of cricket per year.

BrewDog has been contacted for comment.

You can read more about what the Tilray Brands acquisition means for BrewDog in our deep-dive news analysis here.