One In, One Out: MLS Loses Key Sponsor, But Signs Supplier

MLS is "losing a top sponsor, New York Life Insurance, amid a tough market for company renewals," according to David Sweet of the SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, who cites sources as saying that the "battered insurance firm, which is facing [$50-75M] in claim payments from the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, won't exercise a two-year option with the league." The deal was worth about $2.5M annually. NY Life's departure leaves MLS with eight partners at its top-tier sponsorship level. But Sweet reports that MLS "also signed its biggest-ever official supplier deal," as Bally Total Fitness inked a seven-figure agreement last week that runs through the '04 season. Under the deal, MLS can "develop ticket and membership cross-promotions" with Bally's fitness centers, and Bally gets use of league and team marks and other rights (SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, 12/10 issue).