Major League Soccer and The Home Depot building the game together

Avatar
MLS and The Home Depot
Image credit: sockagphoto / Shutterstock.com

The Home Depot, a renowned retailer of home improvement products, and Major League Soccer (MLS) recently announced the extension of their multi-year partnership.

This renewed collaboration comes at an important time, as Major League Soccer prepares for its 28th season, the highly anticipated 2023 Leagues Cup, and the historic 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted on North American soil.

A shared commitment to attracting new fan bases in North America is reflected in the renewed partnership between Major League Soccer and The Home Depot. By leveraging MLS’s growing popularity and The Home Depot’s extensive customer base through engaging marketing initiatives and activations.

MLS EVP of Partnership Marketing, Jen Cramer spoke about the partnership via press release:

“The Home Depot continues to be an invaluable ally and Major League Soccer couldn’t be prouder to announce an extension of our partnership,” she said.

“The Home Depot’s longtime commitment to the sport has always allowed fans to engage with MLS through unique experiences and activations. We look forward to collaborating with The Home Depot for many years in connecting with consumers and soccer fans on a deeper level.”

In the process of addressing the gap between sports and home improvement, this partnership aims to give fans unique experiences that communicate to their interests off the field and recognises the potential of soccer to bring communities and people together through their shared passion for the game.

Senior Manager of Sports Marketing at The Home Depot, Heather Dade-Themelis, added via press release:

“The Home Depot is extremely proud to extend our partnership with Major League Soccer and continue to grow together, as we have for the last 15 years.

“As we witness this 28th season of MLS, we remain committed to the future of soccer in North America, and we are excited to show our support to its amazing fans and our loyal customers.”

Soccer’s development in North America has reached an exciting new turning point with the extension of the multi-year partnership between MLS and The Home Depot.

Soccer in North America will be shaped in the future by combining new fan segments, improving the fan experience, and capitalising on the excitement of upcoming events like the 2023 Leagues Cup and 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Leading brands like The Home Depot will continue to support and collaborate with soccer in North America in these ways.

Previous ArticleNext Article

Mbappé move from Nike to On signals new battle for Football’s sponsorship market

Avatar
Kylian Mbappe UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifier
Image Credit: Shutterstock

Kylian Mbappé’s decision to leave Nike after almost 20 years has opened a new chapter in the commercial battle for football’s biggest names. The Real Madrid and France star has joined Swiss sportswear brand On, a significant boon for the company on entry into the football market.

Mbappé’s departure is a significant commercial loss for Nike. The forward joined the company as a nine-year-old and grew into one of its leading football figures. His loss compounds the recent transition of Spanish star Lamine Yamal to long-time rival Adidas.

On built its reputation in running, before expanding into tennis via Roger Federer. It will now use Mbappé’s experience as it develops football products, with its first boots expected to become widely available in the near future. Former France star Thierry Henry has also joined On as its football director and is a shareholder.

On has confirmed that Mbappé’s agreement includes both cash and equity, although the financial details have not been released, gives the partnership a deeper commercial connection than a traditional endorsement deal. Nike still holds significant football contracts, including long-term partnership with numerous national teams.

However, Mbappé’s move gives On an opportunity to challenge the established order, including Nike, Adidas, Puma and other emerging competitors. But will they turn this prized signature into lasting football credibility? To do so, the brand must now deliver products that can compete on performance, design and price.

Mbappé’s switch is therefore more than a sponsorship change. It signals an increasingly competitive fight for football’s most influential athletes and the billions of fans who follow them.

SBS expands Australian Championship broadcast coverage for 2026

Avatar
Image Credits: Football Australia

The Australian Championship will enter its second season with an expanded broadcast partnership between Football Australia and SBS. The 2026 competition will feature two live SBS broadcasts in every round, marking an increase from the tournament’s debut season.

Thursday night football will form a key part of the new broadcast schedule. The opening match will see Preston Lions face Wollongong Wolves on October 15th, with the game broadcast live on SBS2 and SBS On Demand. Saturday football will also remain part of the free-to-air schedule; first up, Sutherland Sharks’ clash with South Melbourne on October 17th will be shown live on SBS and SBS On Demand.

The expanded agreement gives the competition a greater presence across SBS’s linear channels while retaining its full streaming coverage, with every match across the 2026 Australian Championship available live on SBS On Demand. The platform also provides full replays and highlights for viewers to access at their discretion.

In addition to SBS’ coverage, Football Australia will also stream the competition via YouTube.

The Australian Championship consists of a six-round group stage, finals beginning at quarter-finals from November 26, and a Grand Final scheduled currently between December 10-12.

It features 16 clubs from seven states and territories. The broadcast schedule places several historic fixtures in front of a national audience: South Melbourne will meet Sydney United 58 in a repeat of the 1999 NSL Grand Final, and Sydney Olympic and Marconi Stallions will also renew a rivalry that includes NSL Grand Final meetings in 1989 and 1990.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend