Chelsea Football Club has signed a $20 million-per-year partnership with WhaleFin, a crypto platform backed by Amber Group. Under the agreement, WhaleFin will become an official partner of Chelsea FC starting with the 2022/23 season.
According to an official statement published on Chelsea FC’s website and social channels, WhaleFin’s logo — featuring a blue whale — will appear on Chelsea players’ kits. The new logo will replace the current badge of the Korean automaker Hyundai, which has been on the kit for four years.
We’re excited to reveal @WhaleFinApp, the digital asset platform powered by @ambergroup_io as our new sleeve partner from the 2022/23 season! 💙#AmberGroup | #WhaleFin
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 12, 2022
The club also confirmed it is considering replacing its main shirt sponsor, Three, the UK telecommunications company.
First digital-asset partner for Chelsea FC
As Chelsea’s first cryptocurrency partner, the deal gives Amber Group the opportunity to introduce WhaleFin to Chelsea fans around the world.
After the announcement, Chelsea CEO Guy Laurence commented on the collaboration:
“This is an extremely exciting partnership for the club, aligning us with one of the most advanced digital asset companies in the world.”
Michael Wu, CEO of Amber Group, added:
“The power of the game to bring together a global audience — regardless of culture, language and nationality — can help promote digital assets.”
The agreement marks Chelsea FC’s official entry into the crypto space.
Rival clubs have also pursued blockchain and crypto deals. Manchester United, a major rival, announced a multiyear partnership with Tezos, a blockchain group whose name will appear on Manchester’s training kit. Liverpool, another Premier League club, has also been linked to potential changes in shirt sponsorship, including discussions involving Standard Chartered.