Chelsea and Roc Nation Sports International to announce new strategic partnership

Chelsea and Roc Nation Sports International are set to announce a new strategic partnership.

The partnership will be officially announced later today. It will see Chelsea and Roc Nation, an American entertainment company founded by musician Jay-Z in 2008, focus on growing the Premier League side’s reach and cultural relevance in the United States. According to a press release from Roc Nation, this will be done through “music, fashion, entertainment, creators, and athlete storytelling.”

Chelsea brand director Scott Fenton said: “This partnership represents a major step forward in how we connect with our fans in the U.S.

“By leaning into culture, music, and creativity we are building deeper, more authentic relationships with a new generation of supporters who see football as a lifestyle.”

As detailed by The Athletic in 2025, Roc Nation have been increasing its influence in football over the last couple of years.

The company represents several high-profile footballers, including Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, Napoli’s Kevin De Bruyne, and Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli. Roc Nation also represented Napoli striker Romelu Lukaku from 2019 to 2023, and under their guidance, helped the Belgium national team’s record goalscorer seal moves to or from Inter, Chelsea, and Roma. 

Their football department also looks after Endrick, on loan at Lyon from Real Madrid, Inter wing-back Federico Dimarco and former West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta.

The company represents athletes outside football, too, with their roster from basketball’s NBA, including the Charlotte Hornets’ LaMelo Ball and Malcolm Brogdon of the New York Knicks.

Roc Nation stated that “the broader goal is to position Chelsea more intentionally at the intersection of football, culture, entertainment, and lifestyle in America.”

Roc Nation Sports international president Michael Yormark said: “Football has never been more culturally influential in the US.  Our ambition is to help Chelsea show up in the moments, platforms, and conversations that truly matter to the modern fan.”