Soccer Franchise Notes: Philly MLS Team Formally Unveils Name

The expansion MLS Philadelphia Union yesterday formally unveiled their name and color scheme, and in Philly, John Smallwood writes the navy blue and gold colors are "distinct from any other pro team in town and the light blue is a nice accent color." The team's primary logo, a "coiling rattlesnake set on a shield, is the type of image fans will like to see on hats, T-shirts and jackets." The "bottom line" is that the team "came up with cool colors and a cool logo, which should move a lot of merchandise" (PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS, 5/12).

QWEST FOR MORE: Sounders FC investor & GM Adrian Hanauer said that the team is "very close to selling out all available seats for the remainder of its inaugural home season, but could come out with a plan" this week to open up more seating in 67,000-seat Qwest Field. SEATTLEPI.com's Greg Johns noted following the home-opener against the Red Bulls, the team "reduced seating to about 27,700 seats" for the remaining regular-season MLS home games, but the "demand has exceeded all expectations, causing team officials to re-think the situation." Hanauer: "We're well aware that there are some fans clamoring for more seats. And now that we have Chelsea and Barcelona as part of the season-ticket package, there are people clamoring to buy season tickets for the rest of the year" (SEATTLEPI.com, 5/8). Through Sunday, the Sounders have averaged 29,536 fans for their first five games, while the rest of MLS is averaging 13,492 per game (THE DAILY).

NORTHERN LIGHTS: In Toronto, Gareth Wheeler wondered if it is "ludicrous to suggest bringing another MLS team" to the greater Toronto area "would be a good idea." If a "wealthy and committed individual such as [RIM co-CEO Jim] Balsillie wanted to bring a team to Hamilton or Mississauga or Vaughan," MLS Commissioner Don Garber "should roll out the welcome mat." The greater Toronto area is, and "always has been, a passionate hot-bed for soccer fans." But for now, MLS and Toronto FC "have satisfied the appetite" (TORONTO SUN, 5/11).

Gold Pride Cut Ticket Prices By 25% For Remaining Games

DROP KICK: In London, Jonathan Sibun reported London Export Corporation Managing Dir Stephen Perry has been "trying to buy shares" in EPL club Arsenal "as a means of keeping Arsenal in multiple ownership." Sources said that Perry "had been invited by the Carr family to purchase its 8[%] stake in the club." However, a deal "fell through late last week after the family ... opted to sell out to" Kroenke Sports Enterprises Owner Stan Kroenke (London TELEGRAPH, 5/10).

DOWN BY THE BAY: The S.F. BUSINESS TIMES' Eric Young reports with ticket sales "lagging," the WPS FC Gold Pride "cut ticket prices by 25[%] for the remainder of the season." FC Gold Pride GM Ilisa Kessler said, "We're responding to where the economy is now." Young notes the team has "attracted an average of 4,105 fans to each of its first three home games at Santa Clara University," but the club "wants an average of 5,000 per game" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 5/8).