Short sponsors to be permitted for MLS teams

Liam Watson

In an effort to limit potential losses due to the coronavirus pandemic, sponsors are now permitted to be seen on the shorts of Major League Soccer (MLS) teams.

In a report by the Washington Post, MLS franchises will be given the ability to expand on their sponsorships with the licence to now have partners on club shorts.

The league’s 26 teams will be given time to negotiate deals before the competition restart takes place with a five-week tournament at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.

It’s reported that the MLS wants to gain advantage from being the first US men’s team sport to return with all 54 matches televised.

Previously, MLS teams were only allowed a main solitary shirt sponsor and an extra right sleeve sponsor. Only four teams secured sponsors for both of these, which was introduced this season. There could be the option to sell both, while the MLS is looking at allowing teams to feature sponsors on the left side too.

The existing MLS sleeve sponsorships are believed to bring in around US$500,000 to US$1 million a year.

According to the report, the additional branding opportunities are designed to allow franchises to get the most out of their current local sponsorship agreements that are currently being hampered by the pandemic, especially with matches being played behind closed doors.

Some sponsors have reportedly withheld payments to teams as MLS teams try to deal with the financial toll that is linked to the coronavirus pandemic.

In fact, MLS commissioner Don Garber revealed just how much Covid-19 has setback the league, with MLS losing around US$1 billion.

“[Short sponsors are] one of many ideas MLS has discussed,” the league said in a statement.

“But at this time, we do not have anything to announce.”

MLS is due to begin again on July 8th with the MLS is Back Tournament. All 26 teams are divided into six groups for the opening round, with 16 teams advancing to the knockout rounds. The overall winner earns a spot in the 2021 Concacaf Champions League.

Teams had only played two games of competition before it was postponed due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Previous ArticleNext Article

Soceroos and Matildas sue Football Australia over financial dispute

Avatar
Image Credit: Football Australias

Players of the Socceroos and Matildas have launched legal action against Football Australia over a multi-million dollar dispute relating to their revenue-sharing agreement in the NSW Supreme Court.

According to the Australian Associated Press (AAP), the players’ union, Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), are enacting on behalf of the players and are understood to be pursuing a seven figure claim.

The PFA is expected to argue the revenue-sharing agreement between the governing body and national team players is not being fulfilled properly.

The PFA is yet to comment.

But the FA has acknowledged the legal dispute, claiming it is in relation to, “a third party in connection with a separate matter currently being conducted before the National Dispute Resolution Chamber (NDRC)”.

‘The Supreme Court’s role is limited to the subpoena process, and its involvement ends once that process is complete,’ an FA spokesperson said.

‘As the NDRC matter is ongoing and subject to confidentiality obligations, Football Australia will not comment further,’ they stated.

In 2023, a collective bargaining agreement was signed between the players’ union and FA. It gave the Socceroos and Matildas stars a portion of the national teams revenue which contributes up to half of FA’s overall earnings.

Additionally, the agreement included incentives for players and FA to work together, allowing both sides the chance to reap even larger rewards.

Registration fees or sponsors for programs that fund grassroots football are strictly prohibited in relation to the players’ cut of revenue. 

However, as long as it relates to the national team the players receive an 18-20 per cent portion of all relevant finances. This could include ticketing, kit sales, broadcast or sponsorship contracts. Through the CBA this money makes its way back to the players.

Matildas icon Lisa De Vanna, who played 150 times for the national team from 2004-19 has already made her opinion heard on there lawsuit via X.

“1 of the best-paid teams in the world, w best elite environments: 40 personal staff,business flights,5 star hotels, private chefs N baristas n still not happy,” she said.

“Instead of knocking game when it’s at its lowest, maybe play for pride n not greed.”

The disagreement comes just before the Socceroos head to the Middle East during the November international break.

With the squad set to be announced later this week, the ill-feeling between players and the governing body will hopefully remain separate from the performances on the pitch.

WA announce TV series for Sam Kerr’s children’s novels

Avatar
Image Credit: James Ross/AAP

A new TV series based on Sam Kerr’s children’s books ‘Kicking Goals’ is set to begin filming in early 2027 in Western Australia.

The show follows a young Kerr before she became captain of the Matildas and a star at Chelsea FC. Set in her home state of WA, the story sees her navigate her way through growing up and chasing her dreams, alongside her family and friends, and the adventures that entailed.

Speaking to Screenwest, Kerr said, ‘It’s pretty surreal knowing that Kicking Goals is being adapted into a TV series. These stories are all about believing in yourself and having a go, so it feels really special that a whole new generation will get to experience them on screen.’

Co-authored by Fiona Harris, the books have been a success since their initial release in 2021, a period which has coincided with Kerr and her Matildas teammates growing from beloved within Australia’s football community, into a team of genuine national appeal and recognition. They are available nation-wide, sold at major retailers such as Big W and Dymocks.

The television adaptation will beproduced by Orange Entertainment for Paramount+.

‘Kicking Goals’ is set to inject AUD 5million into the WA economy and provide over 130 local jobs.

Creative Industries Minister of WA, Simone McGurk, said via WA GOV, ‘The series will showcase all that Western Australia has to offer – including our world-class talent, crew, and diverse locations – while celebrating the story of one of our sporting greats.’

Casting is currently underway, with a search for a young Kerr and her mates ongoing.

The months after the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australian and New Zealand saw an 11% increase in women and girl’s participation in football compared to the previous year, showing the direct impact the biggest stage can have on grassroots football.

Kerr has managed to build on that success and begin a new chapter, inspiring kids both on and off the field.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend