It’s crazy to think not that long ago we didn’t know whether or not Austin would get a Major League Soccer team and now here we are talking about potential jersey sponsors.
Instead of discussing council members and swing votes, we get to write about the fun stuff, like potential Austin FC jersey designs, sponsors, and more.
Today, I want to focus on potential kit sponsors. Austin is an emerging tech hub, home to multiple Fortune 500 companies and fast-growing startups, each just as strong a fit to sponsor Austin FC as the next one. With so many options, it’s hard to find a “wrong” company to serve as the lead sponsor for the club.
With that said, here are some of my top choices:
1. Whole Foods
As one of the three Fortune 500 companies headquartered in the city, Whole Foods embodies the spirit of Austin as well as anything. Natural, organic, healthy, active – these are words you can describe both the company and the city, and that makes this the top option on my list. It also has the big money backing of Amazon. Plus, our mascot is a tree and our colors are green – seriously, can you think of a better match?
2. Dell
While part of the city’s identity is rooted in health, nature, and wellness, the other major segment of Austin’s culture is technology. Nicknamed “Silicon Hills,” the city is the tech capital of the South, and a great way to embrace our technological prowess is by choosing one of the world’s best computer companies as our main kit sponsor. Michael Dell went to school at The University of Texas and has spent the better part of his life strengthening the city’s economy with the jobs he’s provided and the money he’s invested into it. He’s also worth $23.5 billion, so it’d be a good idea to get him involved with the team.
3. Indeed
The country’s most popular job searching site would be a strong brand to put on the Austin FC shirt. It’s recognizable, it’s clean, and the company is loaded. Indeed is a safe choice for a prosperous partnership. The company’s new HQ is literally across the street.
4. YETI
This is looking like a fan favorite at the moment and it’s easy to see why. It goes along with the active, outdoorsy style many Austinites rejoice, and, like the city, it’s got a young vibe to it. Founded just over a decade ago, YETI is an up-and-coming brand that so many young Austinites can relate to.
5. Tito’s Handmade Vodka
MLS opened jersey sponsorships to liquor brands and that puts Tito’s front and center. Moving from our honorable mentions list as wishful thinking, it could now actually become a reality. Founded in 1997 by a fifth generation Texan, the brand is now worth an incredible $2.5 billion.
6. Silicon Labs
This semiconductor giant has almost $1 billion in assets and a sharp, professional looking logo. Silicon Labs‘ got the tech connection, financial backing and aesthetic appeal, so why not partner up?
7. RetailMeNot
Another rising tech company with loads of capital and brand recognition, RetailMeNot would be a solid kit sponsor for a city that loves to shop. There’s a connection there with the stadium positioned so close to the Domain, so I can definitely see the fit.
Honorable mentions:
ABM Industries, Big Commerce, Chuy’s, Outdoor Voices, VRBO/HomeAway
Final thought: MLS jersey sleeve patches
Beginning in 2020, sleeve patches will be allowed on the right arm of an MLS jersey. Even if one of these local sponsors doesn’t make it on the front of the Austin FC jersey, they could be a secondary sponsor on the sleeve.