MLS continues to provide its clubs make-good sponsorship opportunities for the upcoming season, including co-branded player face masks to be used during local and national broadcasts, multiple sources said. At this point, the opportunity is only available through the ‘21 season, the people said, and is available for all matches. It is believed that coaches will also have an opportunity to wear the co-branded face coverings.
Sources said that teams may only have one sponsor on the face masks throughout the season, with the league recommending teams work with their health care sponsor. If a team decides to work with a company from a different sponsorship category, it must be submitted to the league for approval, the people said. MLS declined comment.
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Sources noted that the co-branded player face coverings are only available for teams to leverage during matches if they are required by the league to be worn in officially designated areas. A sponsor appearing on a team’s mask will not be restricted by an MLS sponsor during national television broadcasts, according to sources. Less than a week ago, the league also formally notified teams that they could place a brand on the left sleeve of players’ jerseys for ‘21, another make-good sponsorship asset.
The Athletic first mentioned the idea of sponsored masks a week ago.
