Circle Scores Big with £33-50M Chelsea Deal, First Premier League Crypto Sponsor

Circle has secured a significant partnership with Chelsea FC, becoming the first Premier League crypto sponsor authorized by the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The one-year Principal Partner deal is worth an estimated £33.6-50 million for the 2026/27 season and features 'USDC by CIRCLE' on all team shirts.

This marks a major milestone in the growing acceptance of stablecoins in mainstream finance, with Circle leveraging its unique regulatory status and profitability to gain a competitive edge in sports sponsorship.

The deal highlights a regulatory gap, as while Circle is FCA-regulated, the USDC stablecoin it promotes is not yet regulated in the UK. New stablecoin rules are expected by October 2027.