MLS Major League Soccer

USA Today Sports Media Group and Major League Soccer Announce Multi-Year Partnership

Published on June 3, 2013 under Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release


MCLEAN, Va. and NEW YORK - The USA TODAY Sports Media Group and Major League Soccer (MLS) today announced that USA TODAY Sports Images has become the official photo partner of MLS and its business and marketing subsidiary, Soccer United Marketing (SUM), as part of a multi-year agreement.

The integrated partnership also calls for USA TODAY Sports Images to serve as the preferred photo provider for all MLS clubs, MLS special events, sponsors and licensees, as well as for MLS editorial staff and properties that include MLSsoccer.com and KickTV, among others.

"Major League Soccer is one of the most dynamic sports brands in the world, and we're thrilled to partner with them," said Merrill Squires, SVP, Leagues and Properties for the USA TODAY Sports Media Group. "With its best-in-class photojournalists and platform delivery capabilities, we're certain that USA TODAY Sports Images is the perfect match to not only capture the very best of MLS game action, but to provide MLS and SUM with an unparalleled level of image distribution and client service that its growth and popularity demands."

"USA Today Sports Images brings a level of commitment and customer service that we are really excited about," said Maribeth Towers, SVP, MLS. "Their attention to detail in capturing the special moments that happen in our League and in our sport is evident in the quality of product that they consistently produce. There are many nuances in our sport and their knowledge, experience and focus is critical. They are experts in their field and we couldn't be happier to have such an experienced partner capturing the intensity, passion and drama of MLS and its supporters."

USA TODAY Sports Images is the largest dedicated sports photography service in North America, covering 10,000 events each year with a network of more than 300 professional photographers. In addition to the more than 100 local and national media properties within the USA TODAY Sports Media Group universe, USA TODAY Sports Images also provides images to many of the top media companies in the world, including all 15 of the top digital sports properties in the country (as per April 2013 comScore).

As part of the partnership with MLS and SUM, USA TODAY Sports Images will create a dedicated MLS Portal within its newly-designed USA TODAY Sports Images digital platform, which was overhauled for state-of-the-art functionality and expanded content management capabilities in early 2013.

The agreement with MLS and SUM marks the fifth league or property partnership for USA TODAY Sports Media Group, which also has marketing partnerships in place with NASCAR, The PGA Tour, UFC and Churchill Downs.

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