- Chelsea are in discussions with Stake over a deal to become their shirt sponsor
- The gambling company have also been shirt sponsors for Everton and Watford
- A Premier League rule change will prohibit gambling sponsors from 2025-26
Chelsea are in talks with gambling company Stake.com to become their new shirt sponsor despite the incoming ban on such deals in football.
The Premier League confirmed in April that having gambling sponsorships on shirt fronts would be prohibited after the 2025-26 season though they will be allowed until then leaving a window for clubs to still carry the logos of betting brands prominently.
Chelsea have been looking for a new main partner to replace Three whose three-season agreement ends this summer and included an attempt by the mobile network to cut ties with the club after former owner, Russian Roman Abramovich, was sanctioned last year.
Discussions have been held with a number of potential alternatives including German financial services company Allianz.
But Stake, an online casino and sports betting platform, have emerged as contenders as they look to continue expanding their involvement in sport. Chelsea declined to comment.
© Provided by Daily Mail Chelsea are in talks over a new shirt sponsor ahead of the upcoming season commencing
© Provided by Daily Mail Crypto gambling website Stake.com currently sponsor Everton and previously Watford
Stake sponsor Everton, have had their logo on Watford’s shirts, a number of clubs shirt sleeves and are also involved in other sports including F1 and UFC.
Chelsea’s deal with Three was worth £40m a season and Stake are reportedly willing to pay similar and significantly more than was offered by Allianz, dwarfing the firm’s agreement £10m-a-year, club record deal with Everton signed last summer.
When signed it was due to run until 2024-25 at least and is expected to be unaffected should terms also be finalised with Chelsea.
At the time the Premier League ruled to bring a halt to gambling sponsorships, eight clubs had agreements that would have been impacted.