Sounders and Delta Air Lines extend partnership

UPDATE: The renewal is for five years, according to a press release from the club. That's been added to the story.

According to the Atlanta Business Chronicle Delta Air Lines and Seattle Sounders FC extended their partnership. The world's largest public airline (passengers, passenger-miles) is continuing its presence in Seattle by maintaining their relationship with the local soccer team and is investing 15 million more dollars into Sea-Tac

Two years ago Delta originally partnered with the Sounders in a joint deal with the Seahawks back in Fall of 2013. The latest news makes no mention of the NFL team, nor of the value of the deal.

At least we know, for one more year, which airline flights to check first when we are exploring "Fill-in-the-blank Watch."

Etihad Airways (UAE) is an MLS league sponsor. Sounders, like the Portland Timbers with Alaska Air, have a local air partner as well. Alaska is also the partner of the LA Galaxy. Not all MLS teams have their own air partner. Sounders FC's most visible corporate partner is Microsoft with their XBox brand emblazoned on the rave green kits.

SOUNDERS FC AND DELTA AIR LINES ANNOUNCE FIVE-YEAR PARTNERSHIP EXTENSIONAgreement makes Delta the official airline of Sounders FC for next five years; Announcement made at Delta employee event prior toSunday's win over the Portland Timbers

SEATTLE, WASH. - Seattle Sounders FC and Delta Air Lines have announced a partnership extension, making Delta the club's official airline sponsor for the next five years. The announcement was made at Sunday's Seattle Block Party event hosted by Delta prior to Sounders FC's 2-1 win over the Portland Timbers.

"I couldn't be happier to extend our partnership with Delta Air Lines," said Sounders FC Majority Owner Joe Roth. "They have been a great partner to the organization thus far and we're looking forward to our continued relationship over the next five years."

Delta and Sounders FC celebrated the partnership renewal with more than 4,000 of the airline's employees and their families atSunday's Seattle Block Party at the CenturyLink Field Event Center, which included a pre-game rally for Sounders FC's match against the Portland Timbers.

"Delta's commitment to Seattle doesn't stop at the airport," said Mike Medeiros, Delta's Vice President - Seattle. "As an airline, we're always looking to enhance the customer experience - but our partnership with the Sounders lets us enhance the fan experience, as well. With the extension, we look forward to continue serving Sounders fans both at the airport and on the field."

The new deal designates Delta as the exclusive airline partner of Sounders FC, as well as the presenting partner of the Starting XI. They will have increased exposure both inside the stadium and on television and radio. Delta will also connect with the passionate Sounders FC fan base by conducting season-long fan promotions for both home and away matches, which includes travel and tickets to games.

Following Sunday's win over Portland, Sounders FC (12-13-2, 38 points) kicks-off its September slate with a home match thisSaturday, September 5 against Toronto FC (7:00 p.m. PT / JOEtv, Univision-Seattle, KIRO Radio 97.3 FM, El Rey 1360 AM).