NASL's Indy Eleven Signs New Sponsor Turkish Airlines, Re-Ups With Honda

NASL club Indy Eleven "signed its first internationally-based sponsor and extended the contract of its primary jersey supporter as the team launches its fourth season," according to Anthony Schoettle of the INDIANAPOLIS BUSINESS JOURNAL. The franchise named Turkish Airlines its official international airline partner, and the airline's logo "debuted on the back of the club's jerseys" last Saturday. In addition, Central Indiana Honda Dealers and Honda Manufacturing of Indiana have "extended their corporate sponsorships" with Indy Eleven. Honda, the official automobile of Indy Eleven, has its logo "on the front of the team's jerseys." Honda also "sponsors a fun zone" at IUPUI's Carroll Stadium, "supports the team's youth camps, provides in-game sponsorships during local TV broadcasts and sponsors a post-game show" (IBJ.com, 3/29). Meanwhile, in Indianapolis, James Briggs wrote the "clock is running out on Indy Eleven's bid to join" MLS. Unless the Indiana General Assembly "finds surprise funding for a new stadium in the coming days, Indy Eleven has no discernible path" to join the league. MLS is "evaluating bids based on many criteria," but is requiring a $150M "expansion fee and a new stadium from successful bidders." This means that Indy Eleven Owner Ersal Ozdemir "still needs a stadium plan" (INDYSTAR.com, 3/24).