:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/11706901/gyi0061257570.0.jpg)
The LA Galaxy officially announced today that they'll be participating in the inaugural eight team International Champions Tournament which has signed Guinness as a title sponsor. Inter Milan and Juventus are signed on to participate, as well as Real Madrid. There are four participating clubs still to be announced.
"It is an honor for the Galaxy to be able to represent Major League Soccer against some of the world’s top clubs in the inaugural Guinness International Champions Cup," Galaxy President Chris Klein said, "Our fans are accustomed to seeing their team take on the world’s elite club teams in summer friendlies and we are excited to be able to continue that tradition here in the Southern California as well as in other cities throughout the United States."
LA have no games scheduled between July 27th and August 11th. The tournament is scheduled to begin in Europe on July 27th, then semi-finals held in Los Angeles and New York on August 3-4. The tournament will culminate in Miami on August 6-7.
Each team in the tournament is guaranteed three matches, with the Galaxy scheduled to play on of their matches in Los Angeles on either August 3rd or 4th in a yet to be determined venue. Fox Soccer is signed on to broadcast 11 of the twelve matches, with Fox Sports Net picking up one.
Elsewhere...
Speaking of title sponsors, AT&T has signed another agreement with Soccer United Marketing. They will once against sponsor the MLS All Star Game, and the Goal of the Week. They will now also sponsor the Rookie of the Year award. The deal is valued by an industry source at eight figures.
"We’ve recognized the growing passion for soccer in the U.S.," said Greg Skasko, director of sponsorships for AT&T. "The engagement from our promotions has been very strong. It’s a multicultural fan base and really hits the 18-34 demographic. We also love that MLS is tech-savvy and so are their fans."
AT&T will also be the presenting sponsor of the US World Cup Qualifier against Mexico in Columbus.