The money that NBA teams are getting for jersey patch deals has "grabbed the Sounders' attention" and is one reason why the team has hired WME-IMG to help search for a new partner for the front of its jersey, name on its field and name on its practice space, according to Geoff Baker of the SEATTLE TIMES. Eleven NBA teams have signed jersey patch deals, with the Cavaliers' deal with Goodyear reportedly worth $10M annually. Sounders Majority Owner Adrian Hanauer said, "That was kind of eye-popping. To see some of the numbers being generated by those deals made us believe we have some significant upside for our rights." Baker noted the Sounders get $5M per year for their current jersey sponsorship with Xbox, which has sponsored the team since its inception in '09. However, Toronto FC, NYCFC, the Galaxy and the incoming LAFC expansion club have deals "approaching" $6-7M. WME-IMG has worked with the Celtics, Hawks and Lakers on patch deals and helped the Celtics land GE for $7M annually. Sounders COO Bart Wiley said that the club was "attracted as much by the iconic brands WME-IMG and other firms were lining up for NBA patch deals" as much as anything else. Baker noted the "question is whether the Sounders can approach what NBA teams are commanding" (SEATTLE TIMES, 8/7).
