Chelsea FC partners with Circle to feature USDC on team jerseys

Chelsea FC has announced a landmark partnership with Circle Internet Group, the issuer of the USDC stablecoin. Starting with the 2026/27 season, the USDC brand will appear as the official front-of-shirt sponsor for the club’s men’s, women’s, and academy teams.

This agreement marks the first time a cryptocurrency-related financial services firm has secured a principal front-of-shirt sponsorship in the Premier League. While previous crypto deals in the league have been limited to sleeve sponsorships, this move represents a significant escalation in brand visibility for the digital asset sector.

The partnership arrives following warnings from the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regarding sponsorship deals with unauthorized financial firms. However, Circle holds an FCA electronic money issuer license, distinguishing it from the unauthorized entities the regulator cautioned against.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, though reports suggest Chelsea had previously sought annual sponsorship values between £45 million and £65 million. The new branding is scheduled to debut during Chelsea’s first Premier League home match of the season against Brighton & Hove Albion.