Vela joins a BodyArmor endorsement roster that includes James Harden, Mike Trout and Mookie BettsBODYARMOR
BodyArmor named LAFC F Carlos Vela its latest athlete partner, adding the reigning MLS MVP to an endorsement roster that includes Rockets G James Harden, Angels CF Mike Trout, Dodgers CF Mookie Betts and tennis player Naomi Osaka, among others. BodyArmor recently began its partnership as the official sports drink of MLS, starting this season. The MLS deal is the largest multi-year partnership in BodyArmor's history (BodyArmor). In L.A., Kevin Baxter notes Vela's new deal comes ahead of tonight's Concacaf Champions League match between LAFC and Liga MX side Leon. The match will mark Vela's first "in Mexico in anything other than the tri-colored kit" of his national team. Leon President Jesus Martinez said, "This game is going to draw a very important audience and we're very excited." Baxter notes Vela is "clearly the biggest draw in a game that sold out" Leon's 34,000-seat Leon Stadium "long ago." That sellout is "due in part to Vela's decision to leave Mexico as a teenager and in part to his complicated relationship with the national team, one that has included six dozen appearances and 19 goals but also two lengthy boycotts" (L.A. TIMES, 2/18).
