Audi and Major League Soccer today announced a landmark, multi-year partnership agreement. The partnership, which commences with the start of the 2015 MLS season, makes Audi the Official Automotive Partner of MLS. As part of the partnership, Audi becomes the presenting sponsor of the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Audi’s relationship with MLS corresponds with the next phase of the League’s evolution. In 2015, MLS’ 20th season will include a new-look crest, two new expansion clubs, new star players, new media partners and a new elite automotive partner. The MLS season kicks off tonight when the LA Galaxy take on the Chicago Fire (UniMás, 10:00 p.m. ET).
With the highest percentage of millennial audience of any major U.S. sport, the partnership with MLS will allow Audi to reach a diverse, passionate and fast-growing audience that aligns with the brand’s strategy of reaching the next generation of millennial buyers.
"Audi’s partnership with MLS parallels the aggressive, challenger spirit of the two brands," said Loren Angelo, Director of Marketing, Audi of America. "Audi remains committed to soccer and raising the profile of the game in the United States. Last year the league’s attendance hit an all-time high. As a major supporter of the sport globally, we’re looking forward to cultivating the enthusiasm of soccer stateside and driving participation of the sport in a new way."
Under the agreement, Audi will use MLS intellectual property to establish an authentic connection with soccer fans across North America. The agreement also includes a number of media extensions including field level signage (fieldboards) during nationally televised MLS broadcasts.
With MLS’ new broadcast and media rights partnership with ESPN, FOX Sports and Univision Deportes, soccer fans throughout the country will be provided with go-to networks, changing the way fans view soccer in America. For the first time in MLS history, soccer fans will be able to enjoy a game of the week on Friday evenings on UniMás and a doubleheader every Sunday on ESPN2 and FOX Sports 1.
Throughout the season, Audi will air MLS-themed television commercials during nationally-televised games on ESPN, FOX and Univision, including the MLS All-Star Game, MLS Cup Playoffs and MLS Cup. A new 30-second TV spot called "The Game" will highlight the excitement of soccer and all the emotion that the game brings. The commercial will be updated throughout the season with key moments that transpire over the upcoming months and with real fan footage captured in stadiums around the country.
"We are excited to welcome Audi to the MLS family," said Gary Stevenson, President and Managing Director, MLS Business Ventures. "Audi is an elite brand that is committed to helping the sport of soccer grow in North America and we look forward to partnering with them for many years to come."
As soccer has continued to grow in popularity, Audi has continued their dedication to the game by bringing fans exciting activations that enhance their soccer experience. Last summer Audi began a season-long commitment in the United States with a giant LED scoreboard illuminated by the headlights of 28 Audi A8 sedans to display the 2014 World Cup scores. In July, the brand hosted it’s first-ever U.S. Audi Football Summit.
Audi currently has existing partnerships with Seattle Sounders FC and Portland Timbers FC through local dealerships. Audi will further complement their soccer properties with additional MLS club deals to be announced in the near future.
The new MLS partnership complements Audi’s Global Soccer footprint that includes Real Madrid and FC Bayern Munich sponsorships.
20 Years at #1: Your best source of news about the Olympics is www.aroundtherings.com, for subscribers only
Últimas Noticias
Boxing’s place in the Olympics remains in peril as IOC still unhappy with the state of AIBA’s reform efforts
The IOC says issues concerning governance, finance, and refereeing and judging must be sorted out to its satisfaction. AIBA says it’s confident that will happen and the federation will be reinstated.
McLaren report to FIBA confirms abuses in the Mali women’s basketball program
The investigation could not “independently verify” allegations against FIBA president Hamane Niang, who has resumed his duties after stepping aside during the probe.
ATR Extra: 1st ISF U15 World School Sport Games – Belgrade 2021
Olympic Channel is live streaming the basketball, basketball 3x3, football, judo and wrestling competitions during the event, which runs September 11-19.
International Judo Federation bans Algerian athlete and coach for 10 years for refusing to fight an Israeli at Tokyo 2020
Judoka Fethi Nourine and his coach Amar Benikhlef admitted they were withdrawing from competition to avoid a potential match with Tohar Butbul of Israel.
IIHF bans Belarus hockey president for five years for code of conduct violations - Federation Focus
Also: no contested election for next ITTF president; BWF calendar shrinks as event in India cancelled due to pandemic; FISU announces early bids for 2027 and 2029 World University Games
