By MITCHELL NORTHAM
D.C. United announced on Monday that Leidos, a national security, health, and engineering solutions company, will become the official sponsor for the club.
The details of the deal between the MLS club and Leidos have not been completely revealed, but the agreement between the two sides is for multiple years and Leidos will be the official jersey sponsor for the Black and Red.
Leidos’ logo will be featured on the front of the team’s jersey (pictured above), displayed throughout the stadium, and also on all of the team’s marketing and media properties. The club used former sponsor Volkswagen in much the same way.
Volkswagen’s contract with the club expired in December, opening the door for a company like Leidos to secure sponsorship rights. Volkswagen paid D.C. United $2.8 million for the first five years of their agreement and Leidos has said that the deal is comparable to that.
“Soccer is a growing, global sport and we are a growing company with our eyes on the future. This sponsorship will help enable us to get exposure not only locally, but throughout the country and internationally,” said Leidos chief executive officer John Jumper.
As promotional video and samples of home and away jersey kits for D.C. United can be found on the Leidos website. The primary kit features an all white logo on a black jersey, while the secondary kit features an all black logo on a white jersey. Both uniforms conform to the club’s traditional black, white and red color scheme.
For fans, jerseys featuring the new logo will be on sale at the team store and online on March 8, the same day as D.C. United’s home opener versus Columbus Crew. Fans that have already purchased a jersey for this season can bring it to the team store at RFK Stadium and have a Leidos logo added to it for free.
The deal with Leidos is unrelated to naming rights of D.C. United’s proposed stadium at Buzzard Point.
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