What is USDC by Circle? Chelsea to debut new front-of-shirt sponsor against Brighton

Blues have agreed a new ‘ landmark partnership’ with Circle Internet Group

Chelsea will debut a new front-of-shirt sponsor during their Premier League match against Brighton on Sunday.

The Blues announced on Friday a link-up with Circle Internet Group, Inc, who have become the club’s principal partner and new shirt sponsors for the 2026/27 season.

The partnership will see Circle and USDC brands feature on the front of Chelsea’s shirts across their men’s, women’s and academy teams, beginning for Xabi Alonso’s men’s side with their Premier League fixture against Brighton at Stamford Bridge this weekend.

‘USDC by Circle’ will be written in gold lettering across the front of Chelsea’s latest blue home strip, matching the colouring of their club crest and the Nike manufacturers’ logo, as well as the central Club World Cup winners’ badge that they continue to wear this season.

Circle Internet Group, Inc is an American internet financial platform company based in New York that was founded by Jeremy Allaire and Sean Neville in 2013. USDC is a cryptocurrency stablecoin issued by Circle.

During their announcement of what they called a “landmark partnership”, Chelsea explained: “The partnership comes at a pivotal moment for the world. Stablecoins are moving from early adoption toward the mainstream, creating an unprecedented opportunity to make money as open, accessible, and useful as the internet itself.

“By reducing the cost and friction of moving value, they can broaden participation in the global economy and unlock greater opportunity for people everywhere. Bringing USDC to one of sport’s biggest global stages reflects the scale and ambition of this opportunity.

“Founded in 2013, Circle is a pioneer in digital assets and is helping build the financial system for the internet. At its centre is USDC, the world’s leading regulated stablecoin.

“USDC is a trusted digital dollar that enables people and businesses to move money globally with internet speed and 24/7 availability.”

Chelsea president Jason Gannon added: “This partnership with Circle positions Chelsea at the forefront of football’s digital evolution.

“We are two organisations fixated by the future and are relentlessly innovating to be in the best position possible for the long-term. We look forward to beginning our journey with Circle – to introduce Circle to the Chelsea family and continue enhancing how we operate.”

Chelsea had once again started the season without a front-of-shirt sponsor, with their short-term agreement with British Artificial Intelligence (AI) company IFS having expired at the end of last term.

They previously had similar short-term deals with Emirati property development company DAMAC and American sports data and technology firm Infinite Athlete, having not had a long-term front-of-shirt sponsor since their partnership with mobile network and communications company Three expired in 2023.