Sunderland AFC (Premier League) and D.C. United (MLS) partner to promote their brands

Sunderland AFC (Premier League) and D.C. United (MLS, Major League Soccer, North American professional football league) signed a sports and commercial sponsorship, the two clubs announced on 08/08/2014.

“Through the global reach of the Barclays Premier League, Sunderland AFC will help to promote the D.C. United brand in over 200 countries," explained the Premier League club. "D.C. United in turn will work closely with Sunderland AFC to help the club increase its presence across the American continent," added the Black Cats.

Joint promotional activities will be organised in the United Kingdom and in the United States, indicated Sunderland, which is owned by Ellis Short (USA). “Interest in football is growing massively in the USA, and our partnership with D.C. United will provide both clubs with an excellent opportunity to grow and evolve in each other’s market," said Gary Hutchinson, commercial director of Sunderland AFC.

D.C. United is owned by Indonesian businessman Erick Thohir. The franchise, headquartered in Washington (D.C., USA) is also partner of Inter Milan (Serie A), club in…