San Diego FC (SDFC), the highly anticipated Major League Soccer (MLS) expansion team, have inked a multi-year deal with DIRECTV.
The agreement has solidified the satellite TV company as the club’s first-ever jersey sponsor. This landmark agreement also marks DIRECTV’s initial foray into MLS jersey sponsorships.
The centrepiece of the partnership features DIRECTV’s logo prominently displayed on the front of both SDFC’s primary and secondary jerseys. These jerseys, symbolizing a first for both organizations, will be unveiled ahead of the club’s inaugural MLS season in 2025.
The agreement, designated as the “Chrome Club” tier sponsorship, grants DIRECTV exclusive benefits. These include content features highlighting the team, prominent branding throughout Snapdragon Stadium, extensive television-visible signage, and the opportunity to create co-branded retail promotions.
Additionally, DIRECTV secures the official video entertainment provider designation for various SDFC venues, including the club’s Performance Center and Global Headquarters.
Commenting on the historic agreement, Vince Torres, Chief Marketing Officer of DIRECTV, said, “DIRECTV is honoured to be such an integral part of the fabric of the San Diego Football Club family. This extensive sponsorship will allow us to join the club at its infancy in meaningful ways and marry SDFC’s passion for soccer with our desire to reach the millions of fervent soccer fans in San Diego and nationally.”
SDFC CEO, Tom Penn, added, “San Diego FC is honored to collaborate with DIRECTV, a company with deep California roots. This historic sponsorship, which includes our first official jersey sponsor, highlights our commitment to bringing impassioned experiences to our fans and demonstrates our dedication to integrating with the San Diego community through a brand in our backyard that shares similar values and a similar vision. We are confident DIRECTV’s impact will enhance the fan experience both in the stadium and throughout San Diego.”
The partnership between San Diego FC and DIRECTV unites two California-based organizations with a shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and fostering a strong sense of community. DIRECTV’s established history of sports involvement, including sponsorships of major events, aligns perfectly with SDFC’s mission to become a central figure in San Diego sports. This collaboration offers both parties a significant platform to connect with their target audiences and further solidify their brand identities.
Legends, a global premium experiences company, contributed substantially in sourcing and negotiating this sponsorship between San Diego FC and DIRECTV.
DIRECTV is a major American provider of television services. Originally offering satellite television, the entity now provides streaming options through DIRECTV Stream. The satellite television provider offers a variety of packages including local channels, sports networks, and popular entertainment channels.
San Diego FC, an American professional soccer club based in San Diego, California, are scheduled to enter Major League Soccer (MLS) as an expansion team in 2025. The group was awarded an expansion team in 2023; the team will be the 30th in MLS. The club has already signed prominent players like Paddy McNair from Middlesbrough FC and Hirving Lozano under the designated player rule from PSV.
