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adidas endorses MLS growth with extended agreement

Apparel giant adidas has signed a new sponsorship agreement with North America’s Major League Soccer (MLS) with four years still remaining on the current deal. The eight-year contract, understood to worth more than $200 million, begins with the 2011 season and follows a 10-year, $150-million deal that started in 2005.

“Our extension with adidas is a major statement by an internationally respected brand that MLS is increasing in value and that our commitments to stadium construction, strategic expansion, player development and improvement in the overall quality of play are paying dividends,” said MLS commissioner Don Garber.

“We share a long-term vision with MLS to develop the game and are excited to foster the next generation of American soccer stars,” added adidas America president Patrik Nilsson.

Under the deal, the sportswear brand will now make significant investments in youth development in addition to retaining its official athletic sponsor and licensed product supplier titles.