WME-IMG To Assist Sounders In Selling Key Sponsorship Assets

The Sounders have engaged WME-IMG to assist it in securing a title sponsor for a package that includes jersey sponsorship, matchday pitch rights and naming rights to the club's training facility. The Sounders' deal with Xbox, which has been jersey sponsor since its inaugural MLS season in '09 and also holds the matchday pitch rights, expires after the '18 season. This marks the first time WME-IMG has worked on a naming-rights partnership with an MLS club, and its global partnerships division will lead the efforts. The package of rights -- the club’s three most valuable assets since it does not control stadium naming rights -- could be valued at more than eight figures, said Sounders Majority Owner Adrian Hanauer.