Chelsea FC Signs Deal with Circle to Wear USDC Branding on Shirts

Chelsea Football Club has partnered with Circle, the issuer of stablecoin USDC, as its principal partner and front-of-shirt sponsor. This deal comes two months after Britain's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) advised Premier League clubs to vet their crypto backers for financial crime and reputational risks.

Circle holds an FCA electronic money issuer license in the UK, which puts it on the right side of this regulatory line. The partnership will see Chelsea FC wear USDC branding on its shirts through to the 2026/27 season.

The deal is a significant sign of a sports marketing comeback for the crypto industry after firms pulled back three years ago. Circle's scale position allows it to invest heavily in partnerships like this one.