Saturday September 30, 2023

MLS Expands Playoffs As League Strikes Major Deals

  • MLS announced plans to expand its playoff on Tuesday.
  • The league has struck deals with Audi, Adidas, and RBC Wealth Management this week.
A player for the LAFC goes to strike the ball against a player for the Philadelphia Union during the 2022 MLS Cup Championship game.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Front Office Sports Today

Donovan McNabb and the State of Football

From Taylor Swift to the Prime Effect, there's a lot going on in the world of football.
Listen Now
September 29, 2023 | Podcast
Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

It’s been a busy week for Major League Soccer.

Since Tuesday, MLS has announced plans to expand its playoffs and made deals with Audi, Adidas, and RBC Wealth Management.

The Audi MLS Cup Playoffs — which is named under Audi’s new deal extension — will add two more teams per conference for a total of nine each. The 2023 postseason will also add two single-elimination wild-card matches for a best-of-three series in the first round.

Audi will also remain the league’s official automotive partner and presenting sponsor of the MLS Golden Boot Award under the extension agreement, which is reportedly for three years and will “pay a multimillion-dollar fee annually,” according to Forbes.

This week, Adidas renewed its deal with the league, reportedly worth $830 million through 2030 — the company’s largest investment in North American soccer. Its current contract, which is valued at $700 million, was signed in 2017 and expires next year.

MLS also announced a multiyear deal with RBC Wealth Management on Tuesday.

The deals follow the league’s landmark broadcasting deal with Apple in June, which is worth at least $2.5 billion over 10 years.

Companies continue to invest in the league as its franchises prosper — since 2019, the average team value has increased 85% to $579 million, per Forbes.

The league added a 29th team — St. Louis City SC — for this season, which starts on Saturday, and hopes to announce a 30th team by the end of the year.

Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Baltimore Looks To Return To The Oriole Way

Baltimore’s baseball renaissance this season will significantly impact a franchise, league, and…
College football is taking over Saturday night.

How College Football’s Biggest Games Took Over Saturday Night

Network competition and West Coast storylines helped college football stage a coup.

Ryder Cup’s Future Hanging In The Balance Amid Saudi Disruption

An unexpected change could be coming to the Ryder Cup.
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi following the victory against Los Angeles FC at BMO Stadium.

Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami Jersey Headlines 2023 MLS Sales

Messi had MLS’ top-selling jersey in his first season.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Donovan McNabb and the State of Football

0:00
0:00

Featured Today

Colorado Has Become the Hollywood of College Football. This Weekend Proves It.

Folsom Field will welcome dozens of Hollywood stars on Saturday.
Toy Story
September 29, 2023

‘Toy Story’ Success Could Lead to More Disney-Branded NFL Kid-Casts

A successful ‘Toy Story’ game could open the door for other franchises.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce on field after the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
September 29, 2023

Taylor Swift Shaking Up Travis Kelce, Chiefs Prop Betting Market

Sportsbooks are capitalizing with Taylor Swift-themed prop bets.
Taylor Swift reacts while sitting next to Donna Kelce watching the Kansas City Chiefs vs Chicago Bears game during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
September 28, 2023

Taylor Swift Is Affecting The NFL, Chiefs Ticket Markets

Swift will visit her second NFL stadium in as many weeks.

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
Chicago Cubs
Chicago
Fanatics
New York
Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group, Inc.
USA - Multiple Locations

Endeavor, Fenway Sports Could Offer Competition to PGA Tour’s Saudi Deal

U.S. investors are reportedly wanting to get involved with the Tour.
September 27, 2023

Lillard And Giannis Pairing Could Be Big For The NBA, Too

Bucks to be featured on national TV 19 times this season
September 27, 2023

NHL Backs Unified Women’s League, Though Without Money

Leagues working together on numerous operational components
September 27, 2023

Bay Area WNBA Expansion Latest Step In League Growth

A new team is reportedly coming to the Bay Area.
Golden State Warriors majority owner Joe Lacob walks alone the baseline during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Chase Center.
September 27, 2023

Warriors Owner Reportedly Adding A Bay Area WNBA Franchise

An official announcement could come as soon as early October.
September 26, 2023

Miami Is A New Soccer Hub With FIFA, Argentina Moves

FIFA is moving 100+ employees to a new South Florida office.
September 26, 2023

NFL's Swift Mania Starting To Show Impact

Taylor Swift stole the NFL's spotlight by attending Sunday's Chiefs game.
September 25, 2023

NFL Owners' Debt Limit Could Increase To $1.6B

Currently, new NFL owners can use $1 billion of debt.