WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Oct. 14, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Heineken today announced a landmark, long-term partnership agreement with Major League Soccer (MLS) to become the Official Beer of MLS.  The partnership, which commences in January 2015, further establishes Heineken’s standing as a worldwide leader in the sport and gives the brand an additional springboard to challenge Americans to chase new experiences and open their world. 

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Heineken’s relationship with MLS corresponds with the next phase of the League’s evolution. In 2015, MLS’ 20^th season will include a new-look crest, two new expansion clubs, new media partners and a new premium beer brand.  MLS will also serve as a seamless counterpart to Heineken’s global soccer initiatives, including sponsorship of the UEFA Champions League (UCL), to create year-long engagement with fans. Heineken will further complement their soccer properties with individual MLS club deals to be announced in the coming weeks.

“Soccer has been an invaluable platform for the Heineken brand  for years, with our position as sponsor of the UEFA Champions League and other top soccer properties around the world,” said Nuno Teles, Heineken Chief Marketing Officer. “Fans in the U.S. and across the globe appreciate the opportunity to enjoy first-class soccer with the highest quality premium beer. With this partnership, we look forward to continuing a lengthy tradition of creating unique experiences for fans everywhere and drive participation and engagement in the sport in a way that has never been done before in the U.S.”

The agreement between the two brands will see Heineken owning exclusive rights to MLS content and is the latest indicator in the rise of the world’s most popular sport in the United States, particularly amongst Millennials.  With the third highest average attendance of any U.S. sports league, the highest percentage of Hispanic and Millenial audience of any major U.S. sport and more than 22 million Americans actively playing soccer in the United States, MLS has proven to attract a diverse and cosmopolitan audience that reflects Heineken’s adult consumer. 

Starting in 2015, The Official Beer of MLS will present MLS Rivalry Week. In addition, Heineken will feature strong visibility during nationally broadcast matches, on-site and digital activations, and point-of-sale materials.

“We are excited to welcome Heineken on board as we approach the League’s 20th season,” said Gary Stevenson, President and Managing Director, MLS Business Ventures. “Heineken is a supporter of soccer globally and is a great fit for what’s next for Major League Soccer.”

Through the sponsorship, and by leveraging MLS’ passionate and growing fan base, Heineken strives to further elevate its global status as a world class beer and provider of unparalleled fan engagement.

For more information on Heineken and their partnership with MLS, please follow us on Twitter, @Heineken_US, visit the Heineken Facebook page, www.facebook.com/Heineken, check us out on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/HeinekenUSA or Heineken.com.    

About HEINEKEN USA
HEINEKEN USA Inc., the nation’s leading upscale beer importer, is a subsidiary of Heineken International BV, the world’s most international brewer. European brands imported into the U.S. include Heineken, the world’s most international beer brand, Strongbow Hard Apple Ciders, Desperados, Amstel Light, and Newcastle Brown Ale. HEINEKEN USA also imports the Dos Equis Franchise, Tecate Franchise, Sol, Indio, Carta Blanca and Bohemia brands from Mexico. For the latest information on our company and brands, follow us on Twitter @HeinekenUSACorp, or visit HEINEKENUSA.com

About Major League Soccer
Headquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer is the top-flight professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. MLS features many stars from the U.S., Canada, and around the world. Major League Soccer’s 19th season features 19 clubs each playing 34 regular-season matches. Those clubs include the Chicago Fire; Chivas USA; Colorado Rapids; Columbus Crew; D.C. United; FC Dallas; Houston Dynamo; Montreal Impact; New York Red Bulls; New England Revolution; Philadelphia Union; Portland Timbers; Real Salt Lake; San Jose Earthquakes; Seattle Sounders FC; 2013 MLS Cup Champion Sporting Kansas City; Toronto FC and Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Expansion teams New York City FC and Orlando City Soccer Club will begin play in 2015 and an expansion team in Atlanta will begin play in 2017.  For more information about MLS, log on to the league’s official website at www.MLSsoccer.com.

Media contacts:

Tara Rush-Tripp
HEINEKEN USA
[email protected]  
914-681-4153   

Lindsay Anthony
Edelman
[email protected]  
212-704-4585