By David Gold
March 24 – Major League Soccer (MLS) champions LA Galaxy have agreed a record shirt sponsorship deal with Herbalife worth a reported $44 million (£28 million/€33 milion).
The deal renews the nutritional giant’s sponsorship for another 10 years, and is the largest such deal in the league’s history.
It is another major commercial success for the club, coming after they renewed the contract of David Beckham and agreed a $55 million (£32 million/€41 million) television deal, also over the next ten years, with Time Warner.
The Galaxy are estimated to be worth $100 million (£64 million/€74 million).
Tim Leiweke, chief executive of Anschutz Entertainment Group, who own LA Galaxy, said: “Herbalife bet on the Galaxy six years ago and now MLS has exploded in popularity and growth.
“For them to renew their partnership for this extended length is a tremendous mutual reward for both of us and a demonstration of their belief and faith in MLS.
“To have this kind of stability and strength in a partnership that will take us into the next decade is refreshing for the sports industry.”
Herbalife chairman Michael O. Johnson added: “We made our first commitment to the LA Galaxy and MLS more than five years ago and we are delighted to carry on by committing to a long-term relationship.
“We continue to believe in the global appeal of the club, and the sport of soccer, to promote a healthy, active life.
“The LA Galaxy have created much excitement for the sport among soccer fans and among our independent distributors around the world.”
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