Major League Soccer (MLS) and Soccer United Marketing, MLS’ commercial arm, Tuesday announced a multi-year partnership deal with Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE.

Within the new agreement, Etihad Airways becomes the official airline partner of MLS in the United States. It is the Abu Dhabi-based airline’s first multi-year sports sponsorship in the territory and one that underscores its expanding commitment to the US market.

Etihad Airways and MLS will also work together on a number of activations and initiatives, including community programs, as well as hosting competitions and promotions for flights and holidays with MLS fans.

James Hogan, president and CEO of Etihad Airways, said: “Etihad Airways has a growing portfolio of sports properties that cover the globe and we’re delighted to now add Major League Soccer, a leading international sports brand, to this group.”

The agreement will see the Etihad Airways logo and its messages beamed across LED pitch-side advertising during nationally televised MLS matches, as well as across national broadcast partners and MLS Digital Properties, an online soccer platform in North America.

MLS represents the sport’s highest level in the United States and Canada, composed of 19 teams - 16 and 3 respectively in the two countries. The MLS regular season runs from March to October, with the MLS Cup playoffs taking place in November and December.

MLS’ global presence continues to increase with the announcements of expansion clubs, New York City FC and Orlando City Soccer Club.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber said: “We are excited to welcome Etihad Airways as the official airline partner of MLS in the United States. On behalf of our clubs, our players and our millions of fans, we welcome Etihad Airways to the MLS family.”