Four years, $12 million.
For a second year MLS team a big time sponsorship isn't something at which to bat an eye. Considering the Union became only the thirteenth MLS team out of 18 teams to have a shirt sponsorship, it's something to be incredibly happy about. Something else to ponder: The Los Angeles Galaxy, despite having the large market of LA, the marketing power of David Beckham and the US soccer star power of Landon Donovan, only has a $5 million-a-year sponsorship deal.
With no designated players currently on the roster, the Philadelphia Union could quietly walk away from this announcement and use the $3 million for whatever endeavors the ownership wishes to pursue (or none at all).
It appears that the Union will soon be putting that money to some use. Soccer By Ives reported over Twitter that the Union will announce the signing of former FC Koln goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon next week. Mondragon has been linked to the Union since December and has been available on free transfer since December 31, having mutually ended his contract with Koln at that date. Whenever the Union officially announce the signing of Mondragon, it won't come soon enough. The team has teased fans and media alike through its courting of the 38-year-old Colombian international, leaving the possibility of the signing open until now.
CEO Nick Sakiewicz told PhiladelphiaUnion.com that the sponsorship with Bimbo will also include:
... a few initiatives, one of them being a nationwide Soccer Mom of the Year campaign. They're going to be going to retail all across the country with all the big retailers, so Major League Soccer and the Philadelphia Union are going to be featured in all 18 markets. It's great branding for the teams, for the league.