Just days after unveiling their new home kit without a sponsor, Chelsea has reportedly been forced to slash the asking price for a shirt sponsorship by a staggering £35million. The club had hoped to strike a lucrative deal worth £60m-a-year but failed to meet the Premier League's regulations. Now, they are seeking a sponsorship deal for £25m, a significant drop from their initial asking price.

New Home Kit Released Sans Sponsor

On Monday, Chelsea proudly released their new home kit without a commercial partner. This move came after club officials were unable to secure a sponsorship deal in time for the kit launch. The absence of a sponsor has generated significant buzz and speculation surrounding Chelsea's ability to secure a partnership.

Previous Sponsorship Deal and High Hopes for New Partners

Chelsea previously enjoyed a fruitful partnership with sponsors Three, banking a hefty sum of £40m per year. With their new kit, the Blues had hoped to secure an even more lucrative deal worth £60m-a-year. However, these hopes were dashed when Premier League executives declared this potential contract to be in violation of the competition's Deed of License.

Failing to Reach Agreements with Paramount+ and Stake

Efforts to secure a new sponsor have proven challenging for Chelsea, with failed negotiations with streaming service Paramount+ and gambling firm Stake. The inability to reach an agreement with either partner has led the club to reevaluate their asking price and seek alternative options.

Chelsea Desperately Lowers Asking Price

According to The Daily Mail, Chelsea is now willing to accept £25m for a shirt sponsorship deal. This significant reduction in asking price showcases the club's eagerness to secure a partner before the start of the season. In a bid to sweeten the deal, Chelsea is also open to including their women's team as part of the sponsorship package, presenting a unique opportunity for potential sponsors.

Creative Artists Agency Assists in the Search

With time ticking and the start of the season approaching, Chelsea has enlisted the help of the Creative Artists Agency to aid in their search for a sponsor. The club is hoping that this partnership will open new doors and lead to a successful agreement before the season kicks off.

Other Clubs' Sponsorship Fees

Chelsea is not alone in seeking substantial sponsorship fees. Other Premier League clubs, especially those in the 'big six,' also demand significant sums. Manchester City currently has a £67m agreement with Etihad, Manchester United secures £47m from Team Viewer, and Liverpool enjoys a £50m partnership with Standard Charter.

Nottingham Forest Faces Similar Sponsorship Challenge

In a similar predicament, Nottingham Forest is also without a sponsor. Both clubs are navigating the competitive world of shirt sponsorships, seeking partners who align with their branding and financial expectations.