Chelsea officials hosted representatives from Saudi Arabian airline Riyadh Air to pitch a potential front-of-shirt sponsorship deal.
The Blues have started the season without a sponsor on the front of their jersey after their deal with telephone network company Three came to an end in the summer.
Chelsea in talks with Riyadh Air
According to The Athletic’s Adam Crafton and Joey D’Urso, the Blues hosted a number of delegates from the Gulf State during Saturday’s home defeat to Nottingham Forest. After the match, the club pitched to the airline about a multi-year sponsorship deal for both the men’s and women’s teams.
🚨Exclusive @TheAthleticFC
Chelsea hosted & pitched to Saudi national airline Riyadh Air this week as club continues search for long-term shirt sponsor. One of several including betting firm Kaiyun in mix. Club want £60m-per-year across men/women’s teamshttps://t.co/aSjSkViRqq
— Adam Crafton (@AdamCrafton_) September 6, 2023
It is understood that Chelsea are seeking to recuperate $75m a year for their front-of-shirt sponsorship.
Riyadh Air currently also sponsors Spanish giants Atletico Madrid and is owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which is the majority shareholder of Premier League rivals Newcastle United. Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman announced the formation of the new airline earlier this year, which is not expected to fly a plane until 2025.
