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.

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.

Barcelona to sport New Sponsor in 2011

FC Barcelona has signed a deal with The Qatar Foundation effective for the 2011 season. The deal will not end Barça's relationship with UNICEF, as both organization will share space on the kits.

The new sponsorship deal with net Barça $200 million through the 2016 season. The five year deal with make it the highest paid kit sponsorship on an annual basis. The team will receive $20 million for the second half of the current season and $40 million for each of the following five seasons. Additionally, Barça will receive a bonus of $7 million if able to add any trophies to its already substantial collection.

The Qatar Foundation will become the first official kit sponsor of FC Barcelona in the hundred-eleven year history of the club. Never has the club signed a kit sponsorship deal to generate additional revenue. However, it is now more important than ever as Barça has more than $500 million in debt to manage.

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."