Originally published May 28, 2008 at 12:00 AM | Page modified May 28, 2008 at 6:16 PM

Microsoft will sponsor Sounders FC

Sounders FC will be sponsored by Microsoft when it opens MLS play next year. The team will wear green jerseys with the words "Xbox 360 Live" on the front.

By José Miguel Romero

Seattle Times staff reporter

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COURTNEY BLETHEN / THE SEATTLE TIMES

The Seattle Sounders FC official jersey featuring the 'Xbox 360 LIVE' logo on it was unveiled at Qwest Field on Wednesday.

Seattle Sounders FC and Microsoft announced a partnership today that will make the locally-based software giant the most visible sponsor of the new Major League Soccer franchise.

The team unveiled its new primary jersey at the announcement at Qwest Field, and the rave green-with-blue-piping kit has the words "Xbox 360 Live," a leading Microsoft product, emblazoned on the front with the Sounders FC logo on the left shoulder.

Additionally, Xbox 360 will be the presenting sponsor of an annual Sounders FC international tour and will sponsor the playing surface at Qwest Field when the team begins play next year, to be called "The Xbox Pitch at Qwest Field."

Robbie Bach, president of Microsoft's entertainment and devices division, confirmed that the sponsorship deal has a five-year term. The deal is worth an estimated $20 million total which Microsoft will pay Sounders FC, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal.

Sounders FC will be the 10th MLS team of 15 to wear the name of a corporate sponsor on the front of its jersey during the 2009 season. Jerseys will go on sale in November.

The team also announced that more than 16,200 season ticket deposits have been taken.

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