J&J Consumer named official healthcare partner of the U.S. Soccer and MLS

NEW YORK — Johnson & Johnson Consumer on Thursday announced a multi-year renewal extending Johnson & Johnson as the official healthcare partner of the U.S. Soccer Federation and Major League Soccer. The announcement builds upon two successful sponsorships that began in 2015.



"We are extending this successful collaboration with the fastest growing sport in America through the United States Soccer Federation and Major League Soccer," stated Maria Eduarda Kertesz, President, U.S. HealthE.  "Through this opportunity, we will bring new occasions for our family of brands to connect to a diverse group of consumers through a significant passion point."



The extension with U.S. Soccer includes U.S. Men's, Women's and Youth National Teams. The partnership will provide Johnson & Johnson with the opportunity to support the U.S. National Teams through the 2018 World Cup, the 2019 Women's World Cup and a wide variety of games and tournaments at every age level.



The strategic partnership with MLS is a multichannel approach with brand integration across broadcast, digital, video, content, in-stadium exposure and on-site activation at key MLS Events, including the MLS All-Star Game presented by Target and MLS Cup, Major League Soccer's championship game.



Johnson & Johnson Consumer is inclusive of some of the world's most iconic brands that are included in this partnership, including: Band-Aid Brand, Benadryl, Bengay, Coach, Compeed, Listerine, Motrin, Neutrogena, Neosporin, Rhinocort, Tylenol, Visine and Zyrtec. Brands will be featured in field level signage at matches played in the U.S. and will integrate the official sponsorship into their marketing plans, including advertising, retail, grassroots, PR and digital.    



Johnson & Johnson will also utilize this strategic partnership to build awareness of the Johnson & Johnson Donate a Photo app, where people can download the app to connect with causes that they care about and other key platforms and partners.



This year the U.S. Men's National Team is currently playing World Cup Qualifiers in anticipation of the Men's World Cup in 2018 in Russia. MLS kicked off its 22nd season on March 3 with two new expansion clubs in Atlanta and Minnesota and new stadiums in Atlanta and Orlando.