Austin-based technology firm and newest Founding Partner of Austin’s Major League Soccer Club is developing cashless and contactless payment options for Austin FC fans, enhancing the game day experience
AUSTIN, Texas – Austin FC, the 27th Club in Major League Soccer (MLS), announced today that it has entered into a historic, multi-year Founding Partner sponsorship agreement with Netspend, an Austin-based payments and digital solutions provider connecting people and brands to innovative payments products. The agreement between the two Austin companies, grants Netspend, a Global Payments company (NYSE: GPN), the rights to be the Club’s Official Jersey Sleeve Partner and newest Founding Partner, in addition to becoming the Official Digital Payment Partner of Austin FC and the Official Prepaid Debit Mastercard® provider. Netspend products and affiliated technologies will also be integrated within the stadium to enhance the speed and safety of food, beverage, and merchandise transactions.
As Jersey Sleeve Partner, the Netspend logo will be prominently featured on the right sleeve of Austin FC’s primary and secondary jerseys, which will be unveiled before the team competes in its inaugural season in 2021. All authentic Austin FC jerseys, including men’s, women’s, and youth sizes sold online and at select retail locations, will feature the Netspend logo on the right arm, including jerseys worn by Austin FC’s first team players during official competitions. Additionally, the Netspend logo will be incorporated into Austin FC’s digital eSports jerseys that will be featured within future iterations of EA SPORTS FIFA gaming products that include Austin FC teams and players.
“We are proud to incorporate an Austin-based brand on the sleeve of our authentic jersey collection that will be worn by our players and available at select retail locations,” said Andy Loughnane, President of Austin FC.
“We’re thrilled for the opportunity to share our scalable financial solutions with major sports venues starting with the Austin FC, our newest hometown team,” said Kelley Knutson, President of Netspend. “Netspend is working with Austin FC to implement its end-to-end processing platform, which will integrate digital and physical payment solutions to create cashless transaction experiences for fans at the new state-of-the-art stadium.”
Netspend is working with Austin FC to improve the overall experience for stadium attendees by enabling them to safely complete their food, beverage, and merchandise purchases in a timely manner via a robust digital payment application, allowing them to go to their seats more quickly, while protecting sensitive payment data with the most advanced devices and end-to-end encryption.
Additionally, Netspend and Austin FC will leverage their community relationships and collaborate on a number of community-focused programs to support the Austin and Central-Texas region, including a community uplift project. The first joint-initiative will be today, October 22, at Burnet Middle School in Austin. Netspend and Austin FC will donate $10,000 in Netspend cards for the purchase of supplies by school staff.
