United Soccer League team Nashville SC has agreed a shirt sponsorship deal with Japanese automotive manufacturer Nissan as the city awaits a decision on whether it has been awarded a Major League Soccer expansion franchise.
Next year will mark the club’s debut USL season and Nashville is one of 12 cities bidding for four available MLS expansion teams.
Nissan’s branding will feature on the front of the team’s shirts as part of the multi-year deal.
Nissan has strong links to Middle Tennessee, with its North American headquarters based in Franklin, its vehicle and battery assembly plant located in Smyrna and its powertrain plant based in Decherd. Tennessee’s NFL American football team, the Titans, also plays at the Nissan Stadium.
Michael Schetzel, vice-president of ticketing and corporate partnerships for Nashville SC, said: “Nissan and Nashville SC represent what makes Tennessee special, such as commitment to community, diversity and entrepreneurial spirit. Nissan’s reputation as an innovative, global brand is one we aspire to build at this club. Partnering with such a well-respected company as Nissan is another affirmation of the significance Nashville SC has in this community.”
Rival USL teams FC Cincinnati and Sacramento Republic, who are also hoping for an MLS franchise, recently agreed provisional shirt sponsorship deals with Mercy Health and UC Davis Health, respectively. The companies will take on shirt sponsorship rights should the clubs be successful in obtaining MLS franchises.
MLS will announce the first two franchises in late December, with the final two to be awarded at a later date.