Chelsea’s search for a shirt sponsor ahead of the upcoming Premier League season seems to be facing challenges, as the club appears set to start the season without one for the second consecutive year. With just seven days left until the big kick-off, Chelsea has yet to secure a deal. The club had Infinite Athlete as their sponsor during their pre-season tour in the US, and they will continue to have them for their final warm-up game against Inter Milan. However, Premier League regulations state that clubs can only have one shirt sponsor for the entire season, except for a one-time change to promote a charity partner. Additionally, a change is allowed if the sponsor is facing financial difficulties.
Unfortunately for Chelsea, it is unlikely that they will qualify for any exceptions, as they are not facing financial problems. Furthermore, the club has already agreed to have Infinite Athlete as their shirt sleeve sponsor this season. Therefore, Chelsea is still in search of a more lucrative contract for the front of their shirt. Last season, the club went without a shirt sponsor for the first six weeks before securing a one-year deal worth £40 million with Infinite Athlete. Following the switch to a sleeve deal, cryptocurrency exchange BingX became Chelsea’s training kit sponsor.
The club’s failure to qualify for the Champions League has made it more challenging for them to attract global companies for sponsorship. Their participation in the Europa Conference League is seen as less attractive to potential sponsors. As a result, Chelsea is expected to end up with another short-term contract for this season, with hopes of securing a better deal in the future if they manage to qualify for the Champions League.
Chelsea’s search for a shirt sponsor highlights the financial implications of not participating in elite European competitions. The absence of Champions League football has limited their ability to secure long-term and lucrative sponsorship deals. It also emphasizes the importance of on-field success in attracting global brands and generating revenue.
While some may view Chelsea’s situation as a setback, it also presents an opportunity for the club to focus on improving their performance on the pitch. By striving to qualify for the Champions League and showcasing their brand on the European stage, Chelsea can enhance their appeal to potential sponsors and secure more lucrative deals in the future.
In conclusion, Chelsea’s ongoing search for a shirt sponsor highlights the financial challenges faced by clubs that do not participate in elite European competitions. The absence of a long-term sponsor for the upcoming Premier League season is a result of the club’s failure to qualify for the Champions League. However, this setback also presents an opportunity for Chelsea to focus on improving their on-field performance, with hopes of attracting global sponsors in the future.