- September 1st, 2011
VISA renews multiple property soccer partnership with Soccer United Marketing (SUM)
NEW YORK(September 1, 2011) – Soccer United Marketing, MLS’ marketing arm, today announced a multi-property partnership extension with Visa. The agreement renews the global payments technology company’s status as the Official Payment Services Company of Major League Soccer, U.S. Soccer, and the Mexican National Soccer Team’s U.S. Tour, until 2014. Visa has been partners with all three organizations since 2007.
“The recent FIFA World Cup™ performance by the U.S. Men’s National Team in South Africa and the Women’s National Team in Germany has helped increase consumer interest in soccer in the U.S.,” said Alex Craddock, Head of North America Marketing, Visa Inc. “As the U.S. Men’s National Team prepares for Brazil 2014, the renewed SUM sponsorship agreement which supports Visa’s FIFA partnership, will help connect Visa and our clients to a multicultural and passionate soccer fan base across the USA. We continue to invest in sponsorship properties that deliver tangible and proven business building benefits to Visa, its clients and partners.”
Visa will continue to receive exclusive onsite promotional rights at annual MLS special events including the AT&T MLS All-Star Game and MLS Cup, as well as all Mexican National Team and U.S. National Team games played in the United States. Visa will also be entitled to targeted marketing and promotional rights, including use of MLS, FMF and USSF intellectual property. Throughout the term, Visa cardholders will continue to have priority access to match tickets and unique fan experiences, through exclusive Visa presales and Visa Signature programs. The relationship also features a partnership with the San Jose Earthquakes.
“Visa has been a great worldwide supporter of the sport of soccer,” said Kathy Carter, President of Soccer United Marketing. “We are thrilled to have Visa extend their domestic relationship with The Beautiful Game through the continuation of the partnership with MLS, U.S. Soccer and the FMF.”