MLS
AEG Announces Partnership with Chelsea
By Shane Killian
March 29, 2006
Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), which owns and operates four Major League Soccer franchises has announced a partnership with English Premier League champions Chelsea.
AEG recently sold the Metrostars to Austrian energy drinks manufacturer Red Bull, but they are still involved with the Chicago Fire, DC United, Houston Dynamo and the LA Galaxy.
"Chelsea is one of the most forward thinking and recognizable clubs in world football and is prepared to make a long-term pledge to U.S. soccer," said AEG president and CEO Tim Leiweke. "This alliance will clearly help to continue soccer's tremendous growth in North America."
The agreement will start in the summer of 2007 and Chelsea will have a special relationship with MLS champions LA Galaxy. Chelsea will have first option to sign LA players and will loan them the English club's youngsters. The clubs will also exchange coaching and medical knowledge and personnel.
AEG will stage a four-team pre-season tournament every two years, starting next summer, involving Chelsea and a host MLS club.
Peter Kenyon, who made great efforts to stimulate the interest of the American market in Manchester United is now doing the same thing with Chelsea as a brand. Since Kenyon joined Chelsea as chief executive, Chelsea have undertaken pre-season tours of North America for each of the past two summers and are planning another for this year.
"Chelsea is absolutely delighted to be partnering with AEG," said Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon. "With its involvement in U.S. soccer and its expertise in sports, entertainment and stadia ownership, AEG were the logical choice for Chelsea. This is a unique, ground-breaking relationship."
Chelsea's agreement with LA Galaxy could be expanded to other clubs if it is successful.
Related Articles
Hospitalball.com's Christopher Barton says Chelsea's looking to conquer America