On October 5, 2026, Circle shared a post featuring rapper DJ Khaled wearing a Chelsea FC jersey branded with USDC. CEO Jeremy Allaire referred to the artist as part of team USDC, though the company clarified that no formal sponsorship or paid agreement exists. The post triggered significant backlash on X, as users recalled Khaled’s 2018 settlement with the SEC regarding an undisclosed promotion of the Centra Tech ICO.
In 2017, the Centra Tech project raised approximately $25 million before being deemed fraudulent by regulators. Khaled subsequently paid roughly $153,000 in penalties to resolve the SEC charges. The jersey worn by the rapper is part of a partnership established on August 28, 2026, when Circle became the principal partner and front-of-shirt sponsor for Chelsea FC for the 2026/27 season.
USDC currently holds a market capitalization of approximately $74 billion, representing about 25% of the stablecoin market. While the incident carries no direct regulatory consequences for Circle, it highlights the risks associated with celebrity associations in the crypto sector. The company continues to invest in brand awareness to compete with market leader Tether.
