In February, CFC Chairman Bruce Buck said, “We believe that Yokohama will play a key role in helping us drive our global expansion in international markets such as the U.S., where they have operated with distinction for many years. “
Mr. Buck added: “Chelsea and Yokohama are a perfect fit. Both are global organizations with a focus on performance and innovation, as well as having huge ambition and an unwavering culture of success.”
CFC said it anticipates Yokohama will work with the football club on community projects around the world through the Chelsea Foundation.
At the time, CFC said this deal was “one of the biggest shirt sponsorships ever signed.” The value was estimated by multiple United Kingdom media sources to be worth nearly $60 million a year.
The uniform will make its United Kingdom debut on Aug. 2 at Wembley Stadium when Chelsea takes on Arsenal in the FA Community Shield match.
The shirt design stays loyal to tradition, Yokohama said, taking inspiration from several classic Chelsea shirts. With white and red trims at the collar, sleeves, shorts and socks the kit celebrates these club colors and ties back to Chelsea's history.
The vertical pinstripes underline this celebration, having been a feature of several iconic jerseys from the past 30 years.
The shirts also feature the logo of sports apparel maker Adidas A.G., which produces the jerseys for CFC featuring the latest apparel performance technologies.
Chelsea's regular season opens Aug. 8 vs. Swansea.
Established in 1905, CFC has won the FA Cup seven times, the European Cup Winners' Cup twice, and is the only U.K. club to win all three of the UEFA's three major club competitions, lifting the UEFA Champions League in 2012 and the UEFA Europa League a year later.
The team is led by manager Jose Mourinho, one of the football world's top coaches.
