MLS Sounders Hire CAA Sports To Explore Jersey Opportunities, As Xbox Deal Could End

MLS Sounders FC has been one of the league's most successful franchises since it began play in '09, and now it could be in the market for a new jersey sponsorship. The team has retained CAA Sports to explore opportunities because its jersey deal with Xbox could end after the ‘13 MLS season. Sounders FC signed a five-year deal with Xbox in ‘08 that has been valued at $4M per season. The franchise has consistently led MLS in virtually every business metric, including attendance with an average of 41,480 fans this season, local TV ratings, merchandise sales and website page views. CAA Sports had worked with Sounders FC Majority Owner Joe Roth when he acquired the team, and has other soccer business, including the handling of commercial sales in representing EPL club Chelsea and La Liga club FC Barcelona, while it also operates the Herbalife World Football Challenge, the summer tour of international friendlies in North America.