The front of the Dynamo's uniforms have lacked a premier sponsor for a year and a half. But their jerseys won't be missing such a name much longer.

The Dynamo and Dash have reached an agreement with BHP Billiton for jersey sponsorships that will extend to 2017, with a two-year option.

BHP Billiton is one of the world's major commodities producers in oil, natural gas and metals such as nickel, silver, copper and aluminum. The company has significant local ties. Its BHP Billiton Petroleum unit is based in Houston and has almost 2,000 employees. A 30-story building for its local workforce is being developed in the Galleria area.

On Feb. 1, 2013, the Dynamo announced they were ending their three-year contract with Greenstar Recycling with 11 months remaining because the company was bought by locally owned Waste Management Inc. That meant for the first time since 2006 the Dynamo were without a jersey sponsor.

BHP Billiton will appear on the front of the Dynamo's jerseys and on the back of the Dash's jerseys. The Dynamo will wear their new uniforms for the first time against the New York Red Bulls on Friday; the Dash will wear theirs against the Western New York Flash on Saturday.

More Information Dynamo update Sunday: Impact 3, Dynamo 0. Record: 5-10-2. Friday: New York at BBVA Compass Stadium, 7:30 p.m. TV/radio: NBCSN; 1560 AM, 850 AM (Spanish).

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In BHP Billiton, Dynamo executive vice president Steven Powell said he found a brand that operates locally, thinks globally and connected instantly.

"It almost felt kismet," Powell said. "As we were talking, it's almost as if when you've met your future husband, future wife, future partner, and you're sitting there talking and you go, 'Wow, there's a connection here.' "

The new gear is available to fans at the team's store at BBVA Compass Stadium. For those who have a 2014 jersey, they can go to the stadium and have the BHP Billiton logo put on it for free.

Powell would have liked to secure a sponsorship sooner, but he wanted to find the right partner. He didn't want to sign with a company that would write checks but have no community involvement.

Tim Cutt, BHP Billiton's president of petroleum and potash, wasn't interested in that, either. Instead, he and Powell discussed the possibility of future youth soccer and field regeneration projects.

"With more than 2,000 employees in the Houston area, we believe it is important to make a contribution to the community that many of us call home," Cutt said.

For the Dash, this is their second jersey sponsorship deal. In January, BBVA Compass, the company with naming rights to the stadium, signed a five-year deal to sponsor the Dash's jerseys and apparel.

Cutt and Powell see more women entering the natural resource and professional athletics industries. They not only wanted to promote their brands through the global sport but to also endorse diversity

"The Dash celebrates women's athleticism and achievement," Cutt said. "We are committed to the diversity of our workforce and believe our sponsorship choices should mirror this commitment."