Ground-breaking sponsorship deals at Chelsea

[James 5,331]

Chelsea are amongst a number of elite football clubs across the world who have received substantial investment from a billionaire owner to transform their fortunes on and off the pitch. Roman Abramovich continues to play an instrumental role in bankrolling Chelsea’s finances through his own money earned through a number of business revenues. Despite their considerable wealth, Chelsea, like any other football club, must continue to source financial income in order to operate efficiently and improve their chances of success through wages and transfer budgets. This is where sponsorship comes to the fore as a fundamental component for any club who wishes to promote its brand on a global scale, and create invaluable partnerships with companies who can open doors to niche markets.

The recent deal between Coral and Chelsea perfectly illustrates the growing trend in football where clubs are benefitting from multi-million pound income in a partnership which benefits both parties.

Samsung

Although major companies can include their brand within the naming rights of a football stadium or training ground as a prominent form of advertising, sponsorship deals which place a company’s logo on every home and away shirt is arguably the best agreement to strike with a football club. Several thousands fans pack into stadiums across the world, with television broadcasting further increasing the exposure factor and number of people who will be able to clearly see a company logo emblazoned across the chest of each shirt. South Korean electronics company Samsung currently hold the privilege of holding a shirt sponsorship deal with Chelsea, with an extension agreed in 2012 to remain a premium partner of the club until the end of the 2014/2015 season.

Chelsea receive an estimated £18 million per season which, although appears substantial, has been eclipsed by the ground-breaking deal agreed between Manchester United and General Motors. The Old Trafford club will receive just under £50 million a season for seven years, with the deal set to come into play at the end of the current season; the Chevrolet logo will replace AON on Manchester United’s home and away shirt next season.

Coral

Exploring the gambling industry is the next logical step in the football world for clubs to establish partnerships with bookmakers. The multi-billion sector already shares a direct link with the sport in so much that football is one of the biggest gambling attractions, with punters able to place bets on a multitude of markets, such as goal scorers, full-time score lines and accumulators.

Chelsea have recently agreed a ground-breaking deal with leading betting company Coral to become its European online betting partner for the next two seasons. The deal will provide Chelsea fans with exclusive offers every week via the Coral website or downloadable app. Those who registered an account and placed a £25 bet throughout the month of March were rewarded with a free Chelsea home shirt in what promises to be the first of many wonderful offers made available throughout the partnership.

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