WASHINGTON, SEPTEMBER 26, 2019 – The Major League Soccer Players Association (MLSPA) and BreakingT today announced a licensing deal to produce merchandise featuring members of the MLSPA. Starting with the end of the regular season and the start of the 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs, BreakingT will apply its social data-informed approach to identifying and celebrating MLS player accomplishments and trends that fans are most excited about.
The deal, which goes into effect immediately, is the first of its kind for the MLSPA, which launched a new licensing program in June in partnership with REP Worldwide, a subsidiary of the NFLPA. It’s the latest in a string of licenses for BreakingT, joining the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA), U.S. Women’s National Team Players Association (USWNTPA), IMG College Licensing and others.
“What BreakingT does with micro-moment and hot-market merchandise has never been done before with MLS players,” said BreakingT CEO Alex Welsh, “and we’re thrilled to serve MLS fans and drive incremental revenue for the Players Association.”
MLSPA Executive Director Bob Foose added, “This deal represents the start of a new era for MLS Players and the Players Association. MLS has some of the most exciting athletes in North America and joining with new commercial partners to help capitalize on their increasing popularity and marketability is at the core of our new licensing program. BreakingT, and their player-centric apparel, was the natural partner for us to launch with. We’re excited for them to be the first of many new deals we’ll be announcing in the coming months.”
BreakingT’s MLSPA-licensed products hit the market effective immediately and can be purchased online at BreakingT.com/MLSPA, Bleacher Report, and Amazon.
The MLSPA’s group marketing and licensing program is managed by REP Worldwide.
About Breaking T
BreakingT is a social data-driven e-commerce brand and affinity marketing services company. As a pioneer in real-time sports merchandise, BreakingT continuously monitors social media with intelligent data filtering to identify the biggest moments and immediately commemorate them for fans with high-quality apparel and other licensed consumer products. BreakingT's customers include 40 professional sports teams across the NBA, MLB, WNBA and NHL, and its media partners include Vox Media, Bleacher Report and NBC Sports. Visit www.breakingt.com to Wear the Moment. ™
About The Major League Soccer Players Association
The Major League Soccer Players Association serves as the voice and collective bargaining representative for all former, current and future Major League Soccer Players. Formed in April 2003, the Players Association ensures protection of the rights of all MLS Players, while also promoting their best interests and amplifying their voices. The PA is a democratic organization run by and for players, and ultimate control over the PA rests with the players. To learn more please visit www.mlsplayers.org
About REP Worldwide
Built on a foundation of the NFLPA’s 25-plus years operating a successful sports group licensing program that generates off-field revenue to supplement NFL players’ on-field earnings, REP Worldwide provides group licensing services for athlete-driven sports properties. The NFLPA is the majority shareholder of REP Worldwide and works in collaboration with its founding partners, the U.S. Women’s National Team Players Association and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association. Visit www.repeveryplayer.com for additional information.