In a move that’s set to massively boost the income of both Minnesota United and MLS, the club and league have announced a partnership with Minnesota-based retailer Target, the 38th-ranked company in the Fortune 500 list. Minnesota’s 2017 jersey will now feature the Target bullseye logo.
A match made in Minnesota... @Target is now the official partner and kit sponsor of #MNUFC.
Press Release » https://t.co/RiW9IzSBXn pic.twitter.com/wK5TcV8pkH— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) January 19, 2017
While the numbers on the jersey sponsorship remain unclear, the deal is thought to be among the highest in the league.
Target will also partner with United at events across the Twin Cities, and the retail company will advertise heavily at Minnesota’s home matches at TCF Bank Stadium in 2017. While Minnesota United’s new stadium, due to open in 2018, does not yet have naming rights, this deal did not cover that potential prospect.
Target will also become a major sponsor of MLS with commercials during national broadcasts, in-stadium advertising and the potential of MLS player appearances in their ads.
In addition, Target will be a key financier of US Youth Soccer, becoming an official partner and creating a $75,000 grant for the Soccer for Success after-school program.
Target has shifted away from the auto industry, particularly IndyCar racing, and towards soccer over the last two years. “There are so many things that drew us to soccer — it’s multicultural, watched and played by families and is growing immensely in popularity,” said Target senior vice president Rick Gomez.
A first look at Minnesota’s debut MLS jerseys with the Target bullseye logo won’t be available until late February.
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