New MLS franchise to be named Seattle Sounders FC

KIRKLAND — Seattle's new Major League Soccer club will be named Seattle Sounders FC, the club announced today.

Over 14,500 fans registered their vote during the four-day election. Approximately 50% of the voters submitted a write-in name, 49% of which included a derivative of the name Sounders. The full name, Seattle Sounders FC, will differentiate from the other teams with a similar name.

"We have heard the fans and are excited about moving forward," said majority owner Joe Roth. "We are committed to build a team that will make the entire region proud. A team that will play with the same passion the fans have shown in selecting our name."

Traditionally, write-in campaigns rarely have an impact on the final results but in this case the write-in name received over 20% more votes than the other choices.

The name Sounders has been identified with soccer in this community since 1974. The name is locally-oriented, historic, and reflects the community.

"The team playing at the highest level in our region has always been called Sounders," said general manager Adrian Hanauer. "Starting with the NASL and then the USL 1st Division, we now have the chance to create a separate and distinct identity with the new MLS team."

The "Seattle Sounders" name will be transferred from the ownership group of the prior Seattle Sounders professional team, of which Adrian Hanauer is the principal owner, to the new ownership group. Hanauer is also a member of the new ownership group.

"The support of the soccer community in Seattle has been tremendous, far exceeding our expectations including their interest and participation in the team name," said MLS Commissioner Don Garber.

"There is a great history of tradition with the Sounders name and after much discussion internally and with team ownership, I am convinced a great new tradition can be established for the sport in the Pacific Northwest."

The team also revealed its badge and colors. The badge represents the organization's personality, image, core competencies and characteristics. It was developed with three distinct layers to represent the partnership between the team, the community, and the fans. The partners are all united under one banner which carries the team name. The club's colors will be composed of Sounder Blue, Rave Green and Cascade Shale.

"Our fans are very passionate," said Vulcan Sports & Entertainment CEO Tod Leiweke. "We offered the public an opportunity to participate in this unprecedented approach in sports and their voice has been heard."