Simple, the Portland-based banking startup that was acquired by BBVA for $117 million in February, has signed a unique multi-year sponsorship deal with the Portland Timbers MLS club.
Simple’s logo will now appear on all Timbers training apparel — Alaska Airlines has the rights to the game jerseys — to be worn during practice and pre-game activities. This is the first company to sponsor training gear in the MLS.
Simple will also become the presenting sponsor of the team’s preseason tournament, now called “The Simple Invitational,” and is the “official online banking partner” of the Timbers. The company’s branding will be “prominently represented” on the team’s digital channels, at its home stadium, and at the club’s training center.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Simple was founded in New York but moved to Portland in 2011. The company, which aims to replace your bank, was acquired by Madrid-based banking giant BBVA in February.
Simple isn’t the only tech company sponsoring a local MLS soccer club. Redmond-based Microsoft has paid the Seattle Sounders to sport the “Xbox” logo on the team’s jerseys since the club entered the MLS 2009, although that contract just ended this season.
Related: After one year, Simple finds success changing how people spend, save, and store money
