Chelsea Football Club has signed a $20 million per year partnership with WhaleFin, a crypto platform backed by Amber Group. As part of the agreement, WhaleFin will become an official Chelsea FC partner beginning with the 2022/23 season.
According to an official statement published on Chelsea FC’s website and social media channels, the WhaleFin logo — featuring a blue whale — will appear on the sleeves of Chelsea players’ kits. The new logo replaces the four-year sleeve sponsorship previously held by South Korean automaker Hyundai.
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
Chelsea also confirmed it is considering replacing its current principal sponsor, the British telecoms company Three.
Chelsea FC’s first digital asset partner
As Chelsea FC’s first cryptocurrency partner, the deal gives Amber Group an opportunity to introduce the WhaleFin platform to Chelsea supporters around the world.
After the partnership was announced, Chelsea’s chief executive, Guy Laurence, said:
“This is an extremely exciting partnership for the club, bringing us together with one of the world’s most advanced digital asset companies.”
Amber Group’s CEO, Michael Wu, added:
“The game’s ability to gather a global audience, regardless of culture, language or nationality, can help to advance digital assets.”
The partnership opens doors for Chelsea FC to explore opportunities in the crypto space.
Manchester United, a major rival of Chelsea, previously announced a multi-year partnership with Tezos, a blockchain platform, which will feature on the club’s training apparel. Meanwhile Liverpool, another Premier League club, has been linked with potential changes to its shirt sponsorship arrangements involving Standard Chartered bank.