Major League Soccer (MLS) has appointed Chime as its official retail banking, credit card and debit card partner under a new multi-year agreement, marking a significant addition to the league’s financial services portfolio.
The partnership provides Chime with category exclusivity across retail banking and card products, along with rights to MLS intellectual property and access to league-wide marketing platforms. The digital-first financial services company will activate across MLS matches and marquee events, including MLS All-Star Week and MLS Cup, supported by in-stadium branding, broadcast visibility and integrated digital campaigns.
As part of the agreement, MLS and Chime will collaborate on fan engagement initiatives designed to enhance both matchday and year-round interactions. These initiatives are expected to include payment-linked promotions, community-driven programs and experiential activations aimed at deepening connections with supporters across North America.
Carter Ladd, MLS EVP, Chief Revenue Officer, said, “MLS continues to evolve alongside how fans experience and connect with the game. Partnering with Chime allows us to work with a brand that shares our focus on accessibility and innovation, helping us create immersive experiences and community initiatives that meet our fans where they engage with the sport.”
Vineet Mehra, Chief Growth Officer at Chime, added, “Soccer is at a defining moment in the U.S. with global attention converging here this year, making it the ideal time to partner with Major League Soccer. This partnership reflects how Chime is evolving its approach to sports by showing up where passion runs deep and building meaningful connections through the moments that matter most, from the pitch to communities and beyond matchday. As a company serving millions of Americans, we are investing in a sport that brings communities together and resonates with the people we serve.”
The agreement aligns with MLS’s strategy of partnering with brands that resonate with younger and digitally native audiences. Chime has built its customer base around app-based banking solutions and fee-free account structures, positioning itself strongly among millennial and Gen Z consumers.
Commercially, the deal further strengthens MLS’s sponsorship ecosystem at a time of sustained growth for the league. Centralised media distribution through MLS Season Pass on Apple, rising franchise valuations and increasing global visibility have enhanced the league’s appeal to national and international brands.
The 2026 MLS season is set to kick off on February 21 with a full slate of 15 matches, highlighted by Los Angeles Football Club facing MLS Cup champion Inter Miami CF at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
The partnership also underscores a broader industry trend, as fintech and financial services companies increasingly turn to live sports to drive consumer engagement through recurring transactional touchpoints such as ticketing, merchandise and in-stadium purchases.
With this agreement, MLS continues to diversify its revenue streams beyond media rights and traditional sponsorship categories, reinforcing its position as one of North America’s fastest-growing professional sports leagues.
