Riyadh Air is in discussions with Chelsea FC over a major sponsorship deal, according to The Athletic.
The sporting news website reported that Riyadh Air representatives have met with executives of the English Premier League football side to discuss a shirt sponsorship deal.
The Athletic report stated that Chelsea, currently without a front-of-shirt sponsor, are looking for a deal worth around $75m.
Riyadh Air and Chelsea shirt sponsorship talks
Talks are in early stages, the report said, with Riyadh Air representatives being hosted by Chelsea chief executive Chris Jurasek during the club’s 1-0 defeat at the Stamford Bridge stadium at the weekend.
Middle East airlines Emirates and Etihad are long-term sponsors of English Premier League sides, with their name appearing on the front of Arsenal and Manchester City kits.
Riyadh Air is owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the owner of Chelsea rivals Newcastle United. The existing relationship, at owner level, is not thought to be a stumbling block for Chelsea, according to The Athletic report.
Earlier this year, Chelsea FC named Oman Air as its global airline partner for the next three years.
Chelsea FC does not currently carry a front-of-shirt sponsor on its iconic blue shirts and is seeking partners for the beginning of the 2024-2025 season.
It is in the process of wooing commercial partners and has identified Riyadh Air as one of multiple options.
Riyadh Air is scheduled to begin operations in 2025, connecting the Kingdom’s capital to more than 100 destinations around the world by 2030.
Last month it was named as the front-of-shirt sponsor for Spanish La Liga side Atletico Madrid.
The partnership was the first sports sponsorship that the airline has signed since its official launch on March 12, 2023.
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