MLS & Minnesota United sign a major partnership deal with Target

On Thursday the league announced a major deal with retail giant Target as the primary sponsor for Minnesota United, and additional league relationships.

Target has become the latest official partner of Major League Soccer. In the press release the company signed a multi-year deal with the league, which will provide support across the US soccer landscape.

First and most noticeably, Target will be the kit sponsor for their hometown team, and 2017 expansion side, Minnesota United. The MLS debut kit will be released in late February with questions over how the iconic red and white bullseye logo with be paired with the blue, white and black colors of Minnesota.

Target’s deal with the league will see branding extend to broadcast advertisements, in stadium and online content. Minnesota’s club president Nick Rogers stated, “Target believes they have a role to play in fueling the potential of soccer and soccer players at all levels in Minnesota and the entire club is thrilled to have them as a partner.”

While construction continues on Minnesota’s future stadium in Saint Paul, will it eventually be named after the retailer? Most likely considering the big push they are making with the league and having other naming rights secured in the city.

Target will also become an official partner of US Youth Soccer and sponsoring a multi-city youth soccer tournament. Overall, the deal is not only a huge boost for Minnesota, but the entire league.

Next: With Target locked in their sponsor, what will Minnesota's kits look like?

The future possibilities of the relationship are promising for the league and its fans. If in the future Target stores, of which there are over 1,800 in the United States, imagine them carrying not only local merchandise, but t-shirts or jerseys from other clubs. Target branded MLS merchandise could help push the league’s reach to new audiences and/or increase the spread of MLS brands visible out in public.