May 13 – A stellar week for Major League Soccer’s (MLS) Minnesota United FC saw them thrash Inter Miami 4-1, cheekily troll Miami owner David Beckham, and ink a groundbreaking multi-year deal with hometown heroes NutriSource Pet Foods and Finley’s Pet Treats.
The landmark agreement makes the Minnesota-based KLN Family Brands the first-ever sleeve sponsors of the club. The new sleeve patches made their debut on Saturday as the Loons systematically dismantled Messi and company, handing Inter Miami their worst defeat since the Argentine superstar joined MLS.
“This partnership transcends the typical corporate handshake,” explains Bryant Pfeiffer, Minnesota United’s EVP & CRO. “We’ve cultivated something authentic with KLN Family Brands that organically evolved from shared Minnesota values into something genuinely special.”
This isn’t your garden-variety sponsorship, either. The deal introduces several MLS firsts, including the “NutriSource SuperStar of the Game” honouring service dogs and therapy animals.
Players can also enjoy stress-busting puppy therapy sessions during training, while Finley’s Ambassadors will deliver the match ball alongside Special Olympics athletes and gain behind-the-scenes workforce experience promoting inclusion.
“We’re merging missions to create a positive impact right here in Minnesota,” the partnership statement notes. “It’s about forging meaningful connections both on and off the pitch.”
Midfielder Joaquín Pereyra, a dog lover himself, adds: “These brands embody values I champion personally. Seeing that connection visibly represented on our kit feels significant.”
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1747142065labto1747142065ofdlr1747142065owedi1747142065sni@r1747142065etsbe1747142065w.kci1747142065n1747142065