PUMA announced today two new long term 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.
‘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.’
State-of-the-art 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, among others, the Scottish Football Association, Serie A power S.S. Lazio, the Bundesliga’s V.f.B. Stuttgart and by France’s A.S. 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
Set to debut on opening day of the 2003 Major League Soccer season on April 5th 2003, 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.
For further information please contact:
Filip Trulsson
Soccer Marketing
PUMA
+49 9132 747215
E: filip.trulsson@puma.com
W: www.puma.com