Current Jersey Sponsors in the MLS

Original article appeared on BrotherlyGame.com

In light of the last week's announcement by the Philadelphia Union, revealing Mexico's largest food corporation, Bimbo, as the official jersey sponsor, we take a look at the current deals around Major League Soccer.  As the league continues to grow, the demand for corporate sponsorship continues to increase.

However, four teams enter 2011 without a jersey sponsor (New England Revolution, FC Dallas, Colorado Rapids and Sporting Kansas City).  Colorado Rapids are confident about the potential for a jersey sponsor and FC Dallas has commented that a significant jersey deal is expected to be announced in 2011. Sporting KC recently commented that a stadium and kit sponsor deal is 'in the works.' Contrarily, Chicago Fire and Columbus Crew join the list of blank kits in the New Year as Best Buy and Glidden (owned by ICI Paints), respectively, decided not to extend the current deals with the MLS clubs.
During the State of the League in November 2010, MLS Commissioner, Dob Garber said,

"All but a handful of our teams have jersey front sponsors. We'll be announcing additional new sponsors probably during the next 30 to 45 days. Within the next year every one of our teams will likely have a jersey front sponsor." 

Twelve clubs will feature sponsors on the front of jerseys in the upcoming season.

MLS Teams Adopting Club Model to Develop Talent

Original article appeared on BrotherlyGame.com

The New Year will undoubtedly be one of growth for soccer academies across the United States. Youth soccer and the development of homegrown players (i.e. Philadelphia Union’s signing of Zach Pfeffer) is key to the long-term success of the Men’s and Women’s National Teams, as well as Major League Soccer. The framework for soccer clubs and academies was laid in 2010 during the inaugural season for the Philadelphia Union and with the introduction of expansion club, Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

10 Things to look forward to in 2011.

As 2011 approaches, we have much to look forward to as a soccer nation. It is comforting to know that, yes, soccer is here to stay in the States. Where are we going from here?

1.  New Soccer-Specific Stadiums

Vancouver's BC Place

Portland Timbers are optimistic for the April 14th target date for the unveiling of its renovated PGE Park, when it will host Chicago Fire in its home opener. The second 2011 expansion club, Vancouver Whitecaps FC will play in two facilities, Empire Field and BC Place. BC Place will be the official home of the Whitecaps, following renovations and the installation of a retractable roof. Sporting KC has set a Summer 2011 date for KC Soccer Stadium. San Jose Earthquakes are still hoping for a 15,000 seat stadium in 2012. New England Revolution have yet to set a date, but appears the 2012 will also see the grand opening of soccer stadium near Boston.

2.  Expanded Televised Coverage
Major League Soccer is seeking to renew deal with Fox Soccer Channel worth $20 million per year. The asking price is almost seven times more than the current deal. The previous contract netted the MLS $3 million annually. It will be interesting to see the finalized figures and the justification the MLS provides for the enormous increase.

Week in Review: Countdown to 2011

As many have begun holiday breaks and preparation for festivities, 2011 looks to be an exciting year that is just around the corner. We are left with a few items that will be of interest in the new year.

New Stadium Plans for D.C. United
Washington D.C based club, D.C. United, may be calling Baltimore home in 2012 (or at least playing there). Baltimore Development Corporation released a report indicating that a soccer-specific stadium in the city's Westport section would "generate up to 940 new jobs and $2.8 million in city tax revenue."

ESPN looks to grow abroad
ESPN has expressed interest in growing its network across the pond in the U.K. Besides World Cup and MLS matches, ESPN has also only televised UEFA Champions League matches. An opportunity to obtain the rights to English soccer match presents a new opportunity in addition to earning a good reputation in the U.K.

MLS wants New Deal from FSC
Major League Soccer is seeking to renew deal with Fox Soccer Channel worth $20 million per year. The asking price is almost seven times more than the current deal. The previous contract netted the MLS $3 million annually. It will be interesting to see the finalized figures and the justification the MLS provides for the enormous increase.

CEO of MLSE Retires

Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment President and CEO, Richard Peddie, has announced his retirement effective in 2011.


MLSE is the owner of Toronto F.C., as well as a number of professional sports teams in Toronto including the Raptors and Mapleleafs.

Peddie took office in November 1996 as Major League Soccer began its inaugural season. He was an important part of establishing Toronto F.C. as an MLS Expansion Club in 2007, seemingly eleven years in the making during Peddie's tenure.

Seattle announces Open Tryouts.

The business of open tryouts is interesting. The odds of making it big? Some would say you are better off purchasing a scratch off. Maybe two.

Seattle Sounders announced today that the club will be hosting open tryouts on January 29th and 30th. At $125 per player, it is good to see Seattle committing the proceeds to their youth soccer academy.

adidas the only fit for MLS?

In light of MLS Commissioner, Don Garber's recent comments regarding the hope for every team in Major League Soccer to have a kit sponsor, we are reminded of the exclusive kit, equipment and advertising partner, adidas.

During the 2010 State of the League, Garber hinted at the following:

"All but a handful of our teams have jersey front sponsors. We'll be announcing additional new sponsors probably during the next 30 to 45 days. Within the next year every one of our teams will likely have a jersey front sponsor."

Congratulations to first time MLS Cup Champs, the Colorado Rapids

MLS Commissioner hosts Supporters Summit.

MLS Cup 2010 has already provided supporters' a unique look into what the future holds for Major League Soccer, and the Cup match has yet to be played. Yet, more is still to come as the Commissioner is set to make additional announcements at half-time this evening concerning changes to the playoff format for 2011 and beyond.



This afternoon, Garber hosted the Supporters' Summit in Toronto to address the concerns of fans and provide instant feedback on the most talked about issues supporters have with the league. Most notably discussed was Chicago Fire's Presidential fan, the length of the 2011 season, public disclosure of information, the reinstated reserve division and a Canadian first division.

Kansas City launches new brand for club.

MLSSoccer.com - MLS' Kansas City franchise announced on Wednesday their new identity, including a new name, new crest, new colors, and a totally new look to go along with the new stadium that will open in 2011.