- XDC replaces Leidos on DC United jerseys
- Fans will be able to buy, sell and trade NFTs
- Elsewhere, Houston Dynamo name Shell as exclusive energy provider
Major League Soccer’s (MLS) DC United have announced blockchain technology provider XDC Network as their new shirt sponsor on a three-year deal.
The agreement, which also secures XDC with branding on the club’s training tops, will kick in from the 2022 MLS season.
XDC will replace national security, health and engineering solutions company Leidos on the front of DC United’s jerseys. Leidos’ initially signed on with the club in 2014 and its last deal expired after the 2021 season.
The value of the XDC tie-up has not been disclosed. By way of comparison, a 2018 report in The Athletic placed DC United’s deal with Leidos at the time to be worth US$3 million a year.
As well as shirt branding, XDC has been named DC United’s official blockchain and NFT marketplace partner. This will see XDC use its blockchain technology to introduce DC United supporters to a fan token programme, which will reward fan loyalty through opportunities such as exclusive experiences and special access.
Individuals will also be able to buy, sell, trade or interact with non-fungible tokens (NFTs) via XDC and have the opportunity to learn about blockchain technology.
“Our partnership with the XDC Network enables us to present more meaningful fan experiences using their cutting edge blockchain technology and create rewarding engagement opportunities for our ever-growing black-and-red community,” said Danita Johnson, president of business operations for DC United.
“What makes this really unique for us is that it goes beyond a partnership. Through support from the XDC Foundation, we will utilise the blockchain by building a new fan experience on the XDC Network, which will deliver innovative ways for fans to engage with the club and gain access to blockchain education.”
Billy Sebell, executive director of XDC Foundation, added: “This partnership is about bringing the value of blockchain to the DC United fanbase to elevate their experience, drive deeper engagement, and connect the growing crypto ecosystem to the club.
“The vision of inclusivity that we share with DC United and the Washington, DC soccer community, paired with the growth of the global game in the United States create the perfect fit for us.
“By bringing blockchain to the real world, through the DC United community, we can build a more inclusive community on the XDC Network. This partnership will build on top of the network’s enterprise development and adoption.”
Elsewhere in MLS, the Houston Dynamo have named oil and gas giant Shell as their exclusive energy provider in a deal that also covers the National Women’s Soccer League’s (NWSL) Houston Dash and PNC Stadium.
The multi-year tie-up sees PNC Stadium’s new sports deck named as the Shell Energy Sports Deck, while the venue’s Northwest gate will be rebranded as the Shell Energy Gate.
London-headquartered Shell will also become the presenting sponsor of both the Houston Dynamo and Houston Dash seasons, as well as receiving branding on the bottom back of the NWSL club’s jerseys.
Additionally, Shell will support the club in achieving its goal of reducing its carbon footprint by an estimated 50 per cent by 2026. The company will implement integrated energy solutions such as LED lighting installation, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system replacements, and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at PNC Stadium.
