Chelsea To Lose Potential Revenue Because Of New Stadium Name Choice?

Chelsea want to borrow £500 million to build their new stadium rather than rely on Roman Abramovich to pay for it. The reigning Premier League champions received planning permission for the ambitious 60,000-seat redevelopment of Stamford Bridge by the Mayor of London in March, but have yet to confirm how they intend to fund one of the most ambitious stadium redesigns attempted in the UK.

Chelsea in Negotiations With 'A Number Of Companies' Over Naming-Right Deal

The Times reports that Chelsea have held talks with banks in the past few months about obtaining loans totaling £500 million, which is £100 million more than Tottenham Hotspur are borrowing from three banks to fund their new stadium.

The Times also says that Chelsea is in negotiations with a number of companies over a naming-rights deal in order to provide the rest of the funding. Unlike Tottenham, Chelsea are committed to keeping the name of their ground in the full title, with The X Stadium at Stamford Bridge as preferred formulation. This could reduce the value of the deal.

The initial estimates of £500 million appear conservative, particularly compared to the price of Spurs' new stadium that has risen to £800 million one year before expected to be completed.

Chelsea will likely start to rebuild their stadium in 2020. During the building of the stadium, the club will have to leave Stamford Bridge and probably play their homes games at Wembley for several seasons.

Do you think that keeping the Stamford Bridge in the name will reduce potential revenue from a naming-rights deal? Let us know in the comments below.