PUMA Named Official Match Ball Supplier for MLS, Equipment Supplier for Chicago Fire
Published on October 18, 2002 under Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release
PROVIDENCE, October 18, 2002 - PUMA announced today two new partnerships with Major League Soccer. As part of an expanding effort to increase visibility in the national marketplace and build on their global success as a leader in soccer technology and performance sport apparel, PUMA will become the Official Match Ball Supplier for Major League Soccer and the Official Supplier of the Chicago Fire beginning with the 2003 season, the League's eighth.
"As one of the top three soccer brands in the country, it's important for PUMA to foster a relationship and take part in the ongoing success and popularity of Major League Soccer," explained John Stevenson, Vice President and General Manager of Team Sport for PUMA North America. "PUMA has an ideal opportunity to establish an on-field presence nationally by developing the Official Match Ball and partnering with a team as dynamic and explosive as the Chicago Fire."
"MLS is proud to welcome PUMA back to our starting line-up of corporate partners," said MLS Executive Vice President Mark Noonan. "PUMA is a hot consumer brand with a storied soccer heritage, making them a terrific addition to our family of world-class on-field suppliers."
Vanguard technology and surface appearance make the PUMA match ball an exciting addition to Major League Soccer. The FIFA-approved, patented ball ensures maximum trajectory, precision and increased shooting speed combined with aggressive new graphics. Already used in Europe by the Scottish Football Association, Serie A power Lazio, the Bundesliga's VFB Stuttgart and by France's AS Monaco, the PUMA Match Ball infuses speed and precision into every player's game, taking it to the next level.
The new uniforms and training line reflect PUMA's unique blend of style, sleek design, innovative fabrications, and the latest in PUMA technology to support the Fire team as it takes the field. Made to foster a relationship between product and player, skin and fabric, the PUMA teamsport line offers the ultimate solution for any player looking for maximum performance.
Set to debut on opening day of the 2003 Major League Soccer season, the PUMA Match Ball will be the focus of an online contest prior to the start of the 2003 MLS season. Log on to www.puma.com or www.MLSnet.com in early 2003 for more details. PUMA will unveil the Chicago Fire Jersey and licensing plan at the 2003 MLS SuperDraft, to be held on January 17th in Kansas City.
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PUMA® is the global athletic brand that successfully fuses influences from sport, lifestyle and fashion. PUMA's unique industry perspective delivers the unexpected in sportlifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories, through technical innovation and revolutionary design. Established in Herzogenaurach, Germany in 1948, PUMA distributes products in over 80 countries. For further information please visit www.puma.com.
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