Why do Chelsea still not have a shirt sponsor?

Chelsea's Moises Caicedo (left) and Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta battle for the ball during the Premier League match at Stamford Bridge, London. Picture date: Sunday August 17, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: John Walton/PA Wire
Blue is the (unblemished) colour. When Reece James led the home side out for their season opener at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon, Chelsea already stood alone in the Premier League.
The Club World Cup winners are the only top-flight team not to feature a sponsor on their kits for the 2025/26 campaign. This is the third-straight year that the big-spending side have eschewed one of the most lucrative income streams for clubs. But why?