Chelsea have announced a new one-year sponsorship agreement with Circle Internet Group, with the company’s USDC brand set to feature on the front of the London club’s shirts during the 2026/27 season.
USDC is a stablecoin issued by Circle, a cryptocurrency designed to maintain parity with the US dollar.
In a statement, Chelsea described Circle as a company that enables individuals and businesses to move money globally at internet speed, with 24/7 availability.
The Blues began the season without a front-of-shirt sponsor for the fourth consecutive year, following the end of their long-term partnership with telecommunications company Three at the conclusion of the 2022/23 season.
Since then, Chelsea have agreed short-term sponsorship deals with artificial intelligence company Infinite Athlete and Dubai-based property developer Damac.
During this period, the London club have spent longer without a front-of-shirt commercial partner than any other Premier League side.
“This partnership with Circle positions Chelsea at the forefront of football’s digital evolution. We are two organisations fixated by the future and are relentlessly innovating to be in the best position possible for the long-term”, said Chelsea chairman Jason Gannon.
Deal expected to be worth £50 million
The Blues say the new agreement with Circle, a publicly listed company, will generate sponsorship revenue in line with the club’s expected market value.
The exact value of the deal has not been disclosed, although previous estimates had put the value of Chelsea’s front-of-shirt sponsorship at around £50 million per season.
Circle’s branding will appear on the shirts of Chelsea’s men’s, women’s and academy teams, with the Premier League clash against Brighton at Stamford Bridge expected to be the first match in which the new sponsor features on the shirts.
It remains unclear whether Chelsea will continue to seek a long-term commercial partner or whether Circle could extend its agreement beyond the end of the 2026/27 season.