Circle Internet Group has secured a principal partnership with Chelsea Football Club to display USDC branding on the front of the club's shirts beginning in the 2026/27 season. The agreement covers the Men's, Women's, and Academy kits, with the partnership making its on-pitch debut on August 30 when Chelsea hosts Brighton in their first home Premier League match.
Neither Circle nor Chelsea disclosed the financial terms or duration of the agreement. However, reports indicated Chelsea's commercial executives had initially sought £60 million to £65 million annually for the sponsorship slot, with negotiations potentially settling at a lower figure near £45 million.
Jeremy Allaire, Co-Founder and CEO of Circle, said the partnership aligns with the company's vision. "We built USDC on the belief that money should work seamlessly for everyone everywhere, the way the internet does. Partnering with Chelsea connects us with a global sports community built on that exact same borderless vision," Allaire stated.
Chelsea's Sponsorship Timeline
Chelsea's shirt front had remained a notable focus of commercial activity in recent years. The club's last principal shirt partner was telecoms firm Three, whose contract ended after the 2022/23 season. Since then, various companies have held the position: Infinite Athlete filled the slot for the remainder of 2023/24, Dubai property developer DAMAC appeared late in 2024/25, and industrial AI firm IFS carried the sponsorship from February through the end of last season. Chelsea opened the current campaign with a blank shirt front.
Todd Kline, President of Commercial at Chelsea FC, emphasized the significance of the partnership: "Circle is changing how money moves around the world, and we're changing what it means to be a global football club. This is more than a logo on a shirt, it represents a partner who's building something."
Women's Team Expansion
The branding agreement also extends to Chelsea Women as the team moves into Stamford Bridge. Aki Mandhar, CEO of Chelsea FC Women, said: "We are excited to introduce Circle and USDC to the Chelsea Women family for our inaugural season at Stamford Bridge."
Circle's Business Update
Circle reported $73.3 billion in USDC circulation at the end of the second quarter, representing 19% year-over-year growth. The company completed its initial public offering in the second quarter of 2025 and is preparing a September 16 mainnet launch for its Arc blockchain.
