Contents
Former Everton Chief Weighs In
Keith Wyness, the former CEO of Everton, has expressed optimism regarding Chelsea’s potential to secure a lucrative shirt sponsorship deal worth £25 million. Speaking on the latest episode of the Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness, who has extensive experience in football consultancy, believes that Riyadh Air is the frontrunner for this sponsorship opportunity.
Current Sponsorship Situation at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea started the 2024-25 season without a primary shirt sponsor for the second consecutive year, following the expiration of their previous £40 million deal with Infinite Athlete. The club is currently in discussions with various companies, aiming to finalise a new agreement in the coming weeks. Reports from sports business expert Lukasz Baczek suggest that the club is expecting to secure a fee in the range of £20-25 million for the remainder of the season.
London Premium and Sponsorship Opportunities
Wyness believes that Chelsea’s geographical location plays a significant role in their ability to attract high-value sponsorship deals. He stated, “They’re in a fashionable area, on the way to Heathrow – there’s still a London premium with these deals.” This premium could be beneficial for the club as they negotiate with potential sponsors.
More Than Just Visibility
While Wyness is confident that Chelsea can achieve their desired sponsorship figure, he emphasised the need for the club to offer more than just shirt visibility. “Sponsors need a lot of activation opportunities these days,” he explained. This means that Chelsea must provide prospective sponsors with a variety of engagement options, beyond simply having their logo displayed on the team’s kit.
Understanding the Sponsor’s Needs
The former Everton chief raised concerns about Chelsea’s current data capabilities, stating, “I don’t know what shape Chelsea’s database is in, I don’t know what they can offer.” This lack of clarity could impact the club’s ability to attract sponsors who are increasingly demanding in their expectations. Wyness highlighted that clubs must adapt to the evolving needs of sponsors to secure lucrative partnerships.
Riyadh Air: A Strong Contender
Wyness singled out Riyadh Air as a strong candidate for Chelsea’s shirt sponsorship, noting their existing partnership with Atletico Madrid and substantial financial backing from the Saudi government. “It’s a big new airline with some serious backing,” he remarked, suggesting that their interest in a prominent sponsorship deal aligns with Chelsea’s profile and location near Heathrow Airport.
What’s Next for Chelsea Fans?
As Chelsea fans eagerly await news of a new sponsorship deal, the club’s management faces the challenge of meeting the demands of potential sponsors while also maximising their brand visibility. The outcome of these negotiations could significantly impact the club’s financial health and marketing strategy moving forward.
In Other News
While the sponsorship talks continue, Chelsea supporters have been buzzing about the latest footage featuring Cole Palmer, a young talent who has been making waves on the pitch. Fans are keen to see how his performances could influence the club’s appeal to sponsors in the future.
As Chelsea navigates this crucial phase, all eyes will be on the Stamford Bridge boardroom to see if they can secure the lucrative sponsorship deal they are aiming for. With Riyadh Air potentially leading the charge, the coming weeks could shape the club’s financial landscape for years to come.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://3pointsforawin.com/trossard-and-havertz-shine-in-arsenals-victory-over-ipswich/
