Originally published May 28, 2008 at 12:00 AM | Page modified May 28, 2008 at 4:16 PM
Seattle's new MLS team sponsored by Microsoft
The team announced Wednesday that the Seattle Sounders FC will be sponsored by Microsoft and Xbox Live 360. Microsoft will pay a reported $20 million over five years to be the Sounders' sponsor.
The Associated Press
The new Major League Soccer team in Seattle has found a naming sponsor: Microsoft.
The team announced Wednesday that the Seattle Sounders FC will be sponsored by Microsoft and Xbox Live 360. Microsoft will pay a reported $20 million over five years to be the Sounders' sponsor.
Microsoft executive Robbie Bach says the growth and global scope of soccer enticed the company to get involved with sponsoring a sports franchise. The Redmond-based company said the local connection is important as well.
The team is to begin play in the 2009 MLS season.
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
NEW - 08:11 PM
BBC vet Arlo White, 36, to succeed Kevin Calabro as Sounders FC play-by-play broadcaster
Sounders FC players Jarrod Smith, Taylor Graham, Chris Eylander return from 2009 injuries
Harvard grad Mike Fucito hoping to stick with Sounders FC this season
MLS 2010 schedule shows growing influence of Sounders FC
Soggy weather forecast for Sounders FC camp in Arizona

- Alaska Air dropping Jones Soda beverages, going back to Coca-Cola
- Man found shot dead in pickup truck in Seattle
- Seattle is first U.S. stop for Picasso exhibit
- Husky Football Blog | Pac-10 expansion to get consideration over next year
- Idol Confessions | "American Idol" hopeful from Seattle didn't make it to Hollywood afterall
- State Senate votes to clear way for tax increases
- Belltown boulevard could be completed by early next year
- Nicole Brodeur | Chrisceda Clemmons' house wasn't the only casualty
- Brier Dudley's Blog | Google rolls its own Facebook & Twitter with Gmail "Buzz"
- Sex, drug rumors swirl about N.Y. Gov. Paterson
- Republicans may be no-shows at health-plan summit
278 - Pac-10 expansion to get consideration over next year
249 - State Senate votes to clear way for tax increases
248 - Lee undergoes foot surgery
231 - Obama: GOP and Dems together can spur job growth
210 - Fort Lewis soldier charged with abusing 4-year-old, holding her head in water
193 - Rivals names Martin one of Pac-10's best recruiters
143 - Belltown boulevard could be completed by early next year
127 - Bus-tunnel attack while guards watched prompts review of Metro security
98 - White House mocks Sarah Palin from podium
91
- Seattle is first U.S. stop for Picasso exhibit
- 747-8 soars smoothly on first outing
- City, Vulcan push higher South Lake Union height limits
- Commentary: Microsoft's creative destruction
- Snap out of your photo funk: How to make sense of all those piles of images
- Wine Adviser | Oregon's quality pinots join the bargain ranks
- Belltown boulevard could be completed by early next year
- Jerry Large | Learning not to copy China
- All You Can Eat | Portage chef Vuong Loc takes Cremant space in Madrona
- Rigorous college-prep classes skyrocketing in Washington state


