Sacramento Republic FC has secured a binding jersey sponsorship deal with UC Davis Health, which could be significant for the club’s MLS expansion hopes.
On Monday, Sacramento Republic FC announced some details relating to its agreement. The sponsorship would take effect beginning with the 2020 season–potentially the club’s first in MLS if its bid is accepted–and last for five seasons, running through 2024.
Sacramento’s chances of joining MLS have consistently ranked high in our expansion odds, as its bid is backed by an ownership group with big names–H-P’s Meg Whitman, the 49ers’ Jed York, as well as several Sacramento Kings owners–and a downtown stadium plan approved by city officials. With MLS expected to award expansion clubs for 2020 in the coming months, the club’s latest announcement is viewed as a significant step. More from The Sacramento Bee:
The agreement may be the first time that a club has signed a binding jersey sponsorship deal before landing a spot in the country’s premier professional soccer league.
Republic FC already has a kit sponsorship deal with UC Davis, but the new contract would run from 2020 – the first year the team would play in MLS – through the 2024 season. Financial terms were not disclosed Monday.
“As I’ve said before, actions speak louder than words,” Republic FC Chairman and CEO Kevin Nagle said in a written statement. “UC Davis Health has been a vital ally to Republic FC from day one, and its willingness to formalize our partnership sends a powerful message to MLS about how strong our market support is here in Sacramento.”
“We are thrilled to support Sacramento Republic FC’s bid for MLS,” said Ann Madden Rice, CEO of UC Davis Medical Center in a statement. “Republic FC is one of the most beloved organizations in Sacramento, with an unparalleled reach into our region and genuine commitment to being a force for good in the community. We look forward to continuing our journey with Republic FC to MLS.”
“Once again, Sacramento’s bid for MLS is bringing out the best of Sacramento,” said Mayor Darrell Steinberg in a statement. “This partnership pairs two of Sacramento’s strongest ambassadors, and sends an unequivocal signal that Sacramento is a major league city.”
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