August 12 – Premier League club Sunderland and D.C. United from the MLS have announced a business partnership. Both clubs have agreed to promote one another in their respective markets, whilst sharing coaching and business expertise.
The US has made progress in expanding its soccer market in recent months, with a host of top clubs – many of which were English – spending their pre-season in the region.
The business partnership follows on the heels of the commercial partnership announcements between Tottenham and Toronto, where the common denominator is Jermain Defoe, and the investment by Manchester City into New York City FC, where Frank Lampard will soon become a common denominator.
Jozy Altidore (pictured), the US national team and Sunderland player, is the closest player link between the clubs. Though he has not played for D.C. United, he has a fan base with the club thanks to his affiliation with the national team.
Sunderland already held a ‘friendship agreement’ with Washington, D.C., and so partnering with the most decorated MLS club in the region formally solidifies the relationship. This sentiment was echoed by D.C. United’s statement, which said they have made “another step forward in strengthening the warm relationship between the two cities”.
Sunderland have already developed links in Africa and Asia, highlighted by their South African based main sponsor Bidvest. Sunderland are setting up similar partnerships with Bidvest Wits in South Africa and Asante Kotoko in Ghana, as well as building an academy in Tanzania with Symbion Power, an American-based company.
D.C. United’s Chief Operating Officer Tom Hunt said: “We are very excited for the opportunity to partner with Sunderland AFC and its global fan base. Through this partnership we look to share best practices on both the technical and commercial side, while also helping Sunderland increase its brand recognition in the nation’s capital and throughout the U.S.”
Sunderland AFC’s commercial director Gary Hutchinson stated: “Interest in football is growing massively in the USA, and our partnership with D.C. United will provide both clubs with an excellent opportunity to grow and evolve in each other’s market. This is a major step forward for Sunderland AFC and a really exciting development for us in the U.S. marketplace. We are continually looking at new ways to develop our international profile and our partnership with D.C. United will help us to build closer links with this key territory.”
Sacramento Republic keep pushing for MLS
It looks as though Sacramento’s courting of the MLS officials in Portland, Oregon, during the MLS All-Star game activities, went well. MLS are reportedly in the midst of visiting the capital of California to assess their credentials for an expansion bid.
The City Mayor along with the ownership group of Sacramento Kings, the NBA team, seemingly made inroads during their visit, and Sacramento Republic’s confidence is growing with the success.
Their head coach Preki said in an interview: “I know we can go to the MLS. I know we’re ready. The club is ready on all fronts. We have a decent team and we wouldn’t be scared to go and play in the MLS with the addition of a few players… Sacramento is really ready. If Miami messes up we’re right around the corner. We’re waiting and we’re ready.”
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