MLS
US Soccer to part ways with SUM at the end of 2022
The United States Soccer Federation announced on Sunday that they will not renew their contract with the Soccer United Marketing (SUM).
Soccer United Marketing (SUM) was founded in 2002 because no English language broadcaster had bid for the rights to the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups. Two years later they partnered with the United States Soccer Federation but now 17 years later their relationship will end when the current contract expires at the end of 2022.
Official statement from US Soccer
"While US Soccer has made this important business decision, the Federation is deeply grateful to [MLS commissioner] Don Garber, Gary Stevenson and the entire staff at SUM for helping us reach so many of our goals and objectives during the past two decades," said US Soccer Secretary General and CEO Will Wilson as part of a joint statement between the USSF and SUM.
"Due to the incredible professional and personal relationships developed between SUM and US Soccer, and the commitment by both organizations to collaborate together on all aspects of the business, US Soccer has a bright future within the sports landscape as we look to take the next step in the evolution of US Soccer and continue to strive to be the preeminent sport in the country."
SUM also started working alongside the Mexico Football Federation to promote the national team friendly games in the United States. Since SUM partnered with both federations, many criticized other broadcasting companies that could not make a bid to own the rights and there was an inherent conflict of interest given that the US Soccer Federation was in business with a league that was already owned by them.
There was a basis for a lawsuit, so to prevent that, the US Soccer Federation has decided to terminate their contract with SUM when the current one expires at the end of next year. SUM also contributed over $300 million in guaranteed revenue into the American Federation.
"The close relationship between SUM, MLS and US Soccer will continue to be a priority and remains a critical component to the overall development of the sport at the highest levels, and we are looking forward to the next steps in the continued growth of soccer in the United States."