USL United Soccer League Championship

USL Selects Buffalo.Agency as Its Public Relations Partner

September 29, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL) News Release


TAMPA, Fla.- United Soccer League (USL) - the largest professional soccer organization under Major League Soccer (MLS) in North America with 29 teams across 21 states and three Canadian provinces - has selected Buffalo.Agency (Buffalo) as its public relations partner.

The first full-service, integrated marketing solution dedicated to sport, industry and lifestyle segments, Buffalo will publicize the highly-competitive league, owners and players in mainstream consumer and trade media covering sports, business, news and related topics.

USL has doubled in size since 2014, backed by ownership groups in major markets with a cumulative net worth of $4 billion (exclusive of MLS) and stakes in MLB, NBA and NHL franchises.

Attendance at USL games this season was almost 1.5 million for its 29 teams, a 33-percent increase over 2015. The league's top 10 teams drew an average of 6,724 fans per game, up 25 percent from a year ago. More than 1,000 players competed in USL games in 2016 and 55 received full senior international caps in 2015.

"USL is in the top echelon of rapidly growing sports leagues in North America and we project continued growth in the coming years," says Jake Edwards, President of USL. "Partnering with Buffalo supports our strategy to establish a financially stable, globally recognized and admired second division league that inspires and rewards owners, players, fans and partners."

Adding crucial depth to the North American soccer landscape, USL's partnership with MLS provides clubs and players the highest level of competition under MLS. Eleven of the 29 USL teams are owned and operated by MLS teams.

"Promoting the fastest growing sport in America, USL is building a broader foundation for professional soccer success and nurturing the game for generations to come," says Glenn Gray, Vice President of Buffalo.Agency. "From elite venues, players and coaches, and passionate fans and leadership, storytelling is in high gear."

Based in Tampa, USL houses 16 departments and 50-plus sports industry professionals. It is the longest-standing professional affiliate member of U.S. Soccer.

The 2016 season marked the introduction of six teams - Bethlehem Steel FC, FC Cincinnati, Orlando City B, Rio Grande Valley FC, San Antonio FC and Swope Park Rangers KC. Reno 1868 FC joins the USL in 2017 and Nashville SC has been confirmed for 2018. In addition to league play, teams compete in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and various domestic and international exhibitions.

Buffalo.Agency performs strategy development, public relations, integrated marketing, digital-social media and design work that increases awareness and sales for companies and organizations operating in more than 40 countries. Its client roster of leading and emerging brands includes American Diabetes Association, CHAMP Spikes, Crown & Caliber, Dollamur Sport Surfaces, ECCO, Fila, Galvin Green, GolfBoard, GolfTEC, Hydrapak, Kauai Visitors Bureau, Keswick Hall, LPGA, Nicklaus Companies, PGA National Resort & Spa, Scivation, Sea Pines Resort, Telluride Resort & Ski, US Club Soccer and World Golf Foundation.

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