The Promotions Dept. Joins USL Preferred Supplier Program

The United Soccer Leagues, LLC, announced it has entered into a national partnership with The Promotions Dept., a leading supplier of premiums and promotional items, including apparel, replica jerseys, soccer balls, bobbleheads and a wide variety of branded items for grassroots marketing, game-day promotions, incentives and gifts. Financial terms of the multi-year agreement were not disclosed.

This partnership will allow USL clubs to develop high-quality, team-branded promotional products to elevate their brands, create stadium atmosphere and recognize and reward fans. The Promotions Dept. has a strong portfolio of high-end corporate and sports clients and is a National Licensee for Soccer United Marketing (SUM), Major League Soccer (MLS), United States Soccer Federation (USSF), the Mexican National Team (MNT) as well as the National Football League (NFL) through its sister company Pro Premiums. The company also has national partnerships with IronMan and American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO).

“The Promotions Dept. brings a wealth of expertise and innovation in engaging sports fans in meaningful ways,” said USL President Jake Edwards. “Our clubs are constantly looking for ways to enhance the fan experience and promotional items play a major role in those efforts. The Promotions Dept. has a long history in soccer. They understand our sport and our fans, and our teams will benefit from that experience.”
 
“We’re delighted to be selected as USL’s preferred partner for premiums and branded promotional products and we look forward to serving the league and to promote its clubs and sponsors through quality branded products and merchandise.  Soccer is very much a part of our company culture and, with the addition of USL, we now support over 50 professional sports teams in the United States and Canada,” said John Tulchin, The Promotions Dept.’s Vice President. 
 
Over the next five years, the USL will oversee the expansion of an estimated 30–40 new franchises at the second and third divisions of professional soccer, creating numerous opportunities for potential suppliers and vendors to support this growth.
 
Through its Preferred Supplier Program, the USL will connect suppliers with both new franchise owners and existing USL clubs looking to deliver the best possible experience for fans. Preferred suppliers must meet the USL’s strict quality standards. These are “Best in Class” companies that provide services and products to professional franchises and stadium developers. The USL is currently in discussions with suppliers that support stadium development, as well as the buildout of team front offices and operations.

Current members of the USL Preferred Supplier Program include:

• InProduction

• MUSCO Lighting

• SCG Fields

• Act Global

• Monument Sports Group

• Odell Architecture

• VX Sport

• Ruffneck Scarves

• Esto Retractable

For more information on the USL Preferred Supplier Program, contact Josh Keller at Josh.Keller@uslsoccer.com.

About The Promotions Dept.
The Promotions Dept. is a full service promotional products and merchandise company founded in 1992 based in Torrance, Calif. The company provides imprinted promotional items, apparel, packaging and gifts to over 50 professional sports teams and many of the world’s top companies and most recognized brands. Contact: Roy Cruse at rcruse@thepromotionsdept.com

About USL: The USL is one of the most prominent Division II professional soccer leagues in the world, with 30 markets in 20 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces for the 2017 season. In total, the USL reaches a population of 75 million people, fueling the growth of professional soccer across North America.
 
In 2016, more than $100 million were invested league-wide into stadium infrastructure to create venues that deliver an unforgettable fan and competitor experience. The USL has national media partnerships with ESPN and SiriusXM, and recently invested $10 million to create USL Productions – which includes a state-of-the-art facility that will produce and distribute nearly 500 league matches and more than 1,000 hours of original content to national partners, local affiliates, USL’s Match Center and international markets.
 
A growing league, the USL has more than doubled in size since 2014, with Ottawa Fury FC, Reno 1868 FC and the Tampa Bay Rowdies debuting in 2017. Three new clubs are set to debut in 2018, with Nashville, Tenn., Fresno, Calif., and Las Vegas officially announced as new markets. The league will then add a new club in Birmingham, Ala. in 2019, and make its return to Austin, Texas, the same year. The USL regularly features international exhibitions against leading Premier League, Liga MX, and Bundesliga clubs, among others. 
 
Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., the USL provides unparalleled club support with a growing team of more than 50 professionals across 17 departments, ranging from operations to marketing, communications and sponsorship. Follow the USL at USLSoccer.com, the USL Match Center, and on social media via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.