Minnesota United FC Secures First-Ever Jersey Sleeve Sponsorship with NutriSource and Finley’s.

Roger Hampel

Photo Credit: Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United FC has announced a landmark multi-year partnership with NutriSource Pet Foods and Finley’s Pet Treats, making them the first-ever jersey sleeve sponsors in the club’s Major League Soccer history. The agreement, unveiled ahead of the club’s May 10 fixture against Inter Miami CF, marks a new chapter in MNUFC’s commercial strategy, blending sport, community, and pet-centered brand storytelling.

The sponsorship extends across all levels of the organization — from the First Team and Academy to the Unified and Power Soccer teams — positioning NutriSource and Finley’s not just as branding partners, but as community collaborators.

Partnership Rooted in Shared Values and Minnesota Identity

Both NutriSource and Finley’s are part of KLN Family Brands, a Minnesota-based group known for combining commercial growth with social responsibility. The deal builds on NutriSource’s existing relationship with the club, which began in early 2024. Finley’s enters as a new brand partner in 2025.

“This is more than a sponsorship—it’s about shared values,” said Bryant Pfeiffer, EVP & CRO at Minnesota United FC. “Our relationship with KLN Family Brands has grown authentically over time, and we’re proud to elevate it through this new integration.”

Brand Visibility and Matchday Activation Minnesota United NutriSource

Under the new agreement, NutriSource and Finley’s logos will appear on the sleeves of all 2025 authentic jerseys, which are available for purchase at Allianz Field retail locations. Fans who already own a 2025 MNUFC kit will be able to have the sleeve patch added post-purchase.

The sleeve branding will debut during the Inter Miami CF match on May 10 at Allianz Field — a nationally visible moment streamed via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

On matchdays, Finley’s will also serve as presenting partner of the Game Ball Delivery, which will feature Finley’s Ambassadors and Special Olympics athletes — a strong expression of the brand’s inclusive values.

Purpose-Driven Marketing: From Puppy Therapy to Workforce Education

The brands’ community activations go far beyond traditional stadium advertising. Key highlights include:

• “NutriSource SuperStar of the Game”: An in-game feature honoring service dogs and therapy animals

• Puppy Therapy Sessions: Dogs visit players during training, creating a unique off-field experience

• Behind-the-Scenes Workforce Opportunities: Finley’s Ambassadors will experience matchday operations to promote inclusion in the professional sports workforce

  
  

These initiatives not only humanize the brand partnerships but also contribute to inclusivity and mental well-being, supporting Minnesota United’s broader community mission.

Aligning Commercial Goals with Fan Passions

The sponsorship recognizes the strong intersection between football fans and pet lovers, particularly in a market like Minnesota, where localism and loyalty matter deeply. According to Chase Rasmussen, President of KLN Family Brands:

“We’re uniting missions to do good right here in Minnesota. It’s about meaningful connection — both on and off the pitch.”

MNUFC midfielder Joaquín Pereyra, a dog owner himself, added a player’s perspective:

“These are brands with values I share and support. It’s great to see that connection made visible on the jersey.”

Industry Takeaways

This agreement reflects several trends shaping the future of football sponsorship:

• Tier-2 branding assets like sleeves are becoming valuable inventory as kit visibility increases

• Local brands with national ambitions are finding new traction through MLS partnerships

• Community-first sponsorships are now central to club–partner activation strategies

• Clubs are leveraging multi-team alignment (academy, unified teams, etc.) for full-organization impact