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Samsung out, Yokohama in as Chelsea jersey sponsor

February 26, 2015

New deal could be worth more than $300 million over 5-years for the English Premier League leader

Chelsea's Cesc Fabregas reacts after missing a chance to score against Burnley during an English Premier League soccer match at the Stamford Bridge ground in London, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015. The match ended 1-1 draw. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)

Chelsea’s Cesc Fabregas reacts after missing a chance to score against Burnley during an English Premier League soccer match at the Stamford Bridge ground in London, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015. The match ended 1-1 draw. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)

LONDON (AP) — Chelsea has signed Japanese tire manufacturer Yokohama as its new jersey sponsor in a deal that could be worth more than $300 million for the English Premier League leader.

The Yokohama Rubber Company’s branding will appear on Chelsea’s kit from the start of the 2015-16 season, replacing South Korean electronics firm Samsung.

Chelsea says the five-year agreement is the club’s largest ever commercial deal, and it is reported to be worth 40 million pounds ($61 million) each season.

Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck says “we believe that Yokohama will play a key role in helping us drive our global expansion in international markets such as the U.S.”

The deal is eclipsed by Chevrolet’s $559 million, seven-year sponsorship of Manchester United.