The deal runs from the start of the 2009 season, and will see the team’s primary jersey carry the name of one of Microsoft’s leading products, Xbox 360 Live. The company will also sponsor the Sounders’ annual international tour, and the pitch at their stadium, Qwest Field, will be called ‘The Xbox 360 Pitch at Qwest Field’.
Robbie Bach, president of Microsoft's Entertainment and Devices Division said, “We haven’t done anything like this before, but when we saw what Sounders FC are doing in our home state, and the fact that they are bringing the world’s most popular sport to Seattle, it was the perfect fit…By sponsoring our hometown team we have a perfect fit.”
Seattle Sounders announced that they have already taken deposits for more than 16,200 season tickets for their first season in the MLS.
Shirt sponsorship deals are not common in the big American sports, but 10 out of the 15 MLS clubs currently have them.
