Charlotte FC and Ally Financial Renew Their Founding Partnership for the Next Decade

Charlotte FC and Ally Financial Extend Their Founding Partnership

In an exciting development for local soccer fans, Charlotte FC has officially announced the extension of its partnership with Ally Financial, marking a significant milestone for the two organizations. This multi-year extension underscores the commitment both entities have to promote soccer in the region and enhance community engagement.

Ally Financial, well-known for being the country's largest all-digital bank, has played a crucial role in Charlotte FC's journey since its early days. The financial institution became a founding partner in July 2019, shortly before the club was awarded a franchise in Major League Soccer (MLS). This deep-rooted partnership has allowed Charlotte FC to cultivate one of the most dedicated fanbases in the league, consistently ranking among the top five in attendance year after year.

Eric Sudol, Chief Revenue Officer of Tepper Sports Entertainment, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the partnership extension, stating, "Ally's belief and support in Charlotte FC has been an integral part of our Club's journey." He emphasized how Ally’s ongoing commitment reflects not just a partnership, but a shared mission to foster growth, inspire passion among fans, and create a lasting legacy.

On the other hand, Andrea Brimmer, Chief Marketing and PR Officer at Ally Financial, remarked on the fruitful collaboration, saying, "Seeing what this Club has become... made this an easy decision." Her comments highlight the pride Ally feels in continuing to support the club's success and making a meaningful difference in the Charlotte community.

One of the pillars of this partnership has been the impact they have had in the community through various initiatives. With the launch of their Pitches for Progress initiative, they recently opened their seventh mini pitch in the area, which has collectively logged approximately 7.5 million minutes of play. This initiative encourages youth participation in soccer and fosters a love for the sport.

The Greater Goals program, another flagship community initiative presented by Ally, provides a free after-school soccer and literacy program tailored for Title I elementary school students. Since its inception in 2022, it has delivered nearly 70,000 book donations and logged over 2.2 million minutes of reading time across more than 40 local schools, showcasing the partnership's commitment to not just sport, but education as well.

In addition, nearly 500 Ally employees have volunteered in related community programs, and the company has generously donated over 2,000 match tickets to local organizations over the years, fostering inclusivity and accessibility for all soccer fans.

In celebration of this extended partnership, Ally is rolling out new initiatives during the Fan Appreciation Week surrounding Charlotte FC's final home match on October 31. Fans can look forward to a pre-match party within the Legends Row stadium area, alongside a special **