MLS name Chime banking partner in multi-year deal

Major League Soccer has named fintech Chime as its Official Retail Banking, Credit Card, and Debit Card Partner in the United States in a new multi-year agreement.MLS said the partnership is Chime’s first major investment in professional soccer.The league said the deal is built around season-long fan engagement and a presenting sponsorship of the MLS All-Star Game. MLS said Chime will be integrated across key league moments and platforms.The partnership includes MLS All-Star Game jersey branding, in-stadium signage and fan activations, and a co-branded digital content series focused on behind-the-scenes stories of MLS players and personalities.MLS also confirmed that the deal will include national contextual advertising linked to soccer fandom and community engagement across multiple markets.Carter Ladd, MLS executive vice president and chief revenue officer, said: “MLS continues to evolve alongside how fans experience and connect with the game.”“Partnering with Chime allows us to work with a brand that shares our focus on accessibility and innovation, helping us create immersive experiences and community initiatives that meet our fans where they engage with the sport.”Vineet Mehra, chief growth officer at Chime, said: “Soccer is at a defining moment in the U.S. with global attention converging here this year, making it the ideal time to partner with Major League Soccer.”“This partnership reflects how Chime is evolving its approach to sports by showing up where passion runs deep and building meaningful connections through the moments that matter most, from the pitch to communities and beyond matchday."As a company serving millions of Americans, we are investing in a sport that brings communities together and resonates with the people we serve.”MLS added that further activations will roll out across the season, with additional fan experiences designed to deepen engagement and support local communities connected to the game.The announcement comes with MLS set to open its 2026 season on February 21 with a full slate of matches, as the league continues to position itself for growth in North America.