#United States #San Jose #Apollo #San Jose Earthquakes #AI GTM

Introduction

In a groundbreaking development within Major League Soccer (MLS), Apollo, the AI go-to-market system, has announced a multi-year Official Sleeve Partnership with the San Jose Earthquakes. This partnership stands out not only for the prominent placement of Apollo’s logo on the Earthquakes' jersey but also for its ambitious aim to revolutionize the club's revenue operations through AI-driven strategies. As soccer's popularity surges in the United States, this collaboration is poised to redefine how sports organizations engage with their fan base and generate revenue.

The Rise of Soccer in America

Soccer has witnessed an extraordinary growth spurt in the United States, with a stunning 62% year-over-year increase in viewership as the 2026 season approaches. This escalating interest presents an unprecedented opportunity for teams like the San Jose Earthquakes to enhance their market presence and deepen connections with fans. Through this partnership, Apollo is set to modernize the Earthquakes' go-to-market (GTM) strategy, allowing the club to effectively capitalize on the expanding global soccer audience.

The Partnership's Structure

The collaboration between Apollo and the San Jose Earthquakes is innovative as it combines the realms of sponsorship and technology. Apollo will be functioning as both the Official Go-to-Market Partner and the technology backbone that supports the Earthquakes in various aspects of their commercial journey. The partnership mandates the deployment of Apollo's AI GTM System to streamline key revenue-generating operations, including:

• - Group Ticket Sales Workflows: Enhancing the processes involved in group ticket sales, providing a seamless experience for team supporters.
• - Sponsorship Pipeline Management: Improving the management and growth of sponsorships to engage more businesses and stakeholders.
• - Inbound Lead Routing: Automating the routing of leads, saving valuable time for sales teams.
• - Season Ticket Renewals: Designing strategies focused on retaining season ticket holders and enhancing connections with the fanbase.

By focusing on these areas, Apollo aims to create a connected, modern GTM system that not only drives commercial growth but also amplifies fan engagement.

A Vision for the Future

Matt Curl, CEO of Apollo, articulated that this partnership aligns perfectly with their mission of making world-class go-to-market strategies accessible to all. He emphasized that soccer is entering a significant growth phase in the U.S., and by integrating data, intelligence, and execution into one cohesive system, Apollo is helping the Earthquakes craft a commercial operation that can serve as a model for future sports organizations.

Jared Shawlee, the President of the Earthquakes, shared his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating it will fundamentally transform their sales and marketing approach. The technological capabilities offered by Apollo stand in stark contrast to traditional, fragmented tools that sports organizations often rely on. This novel collaboration provides the Earthquakes with a unified system that integrates various functions, creating a more connected experience for fans throughout their engagement journey with the team.

Looking Forward

The San Jose Earthquakes will officially unveil this partnership during their annual California Clasico match against the LA Galaxy on July 25 at Stanford Stadium. This event promises to be a vivid celebration of Apollo’s innovative approach and the transformative power of AI within sports organizations. Both organizations are committed to leveraging this partnership to foster richer relationships with fans while addressing commercial challenges faced by numerous professional sports entities.

Curl concludes that this partnership with the Earthquakes is merely the beginning, foreshadowing a broader strategy aimed at various professional sports organizations equally battling GTM challenges akin to those faced by burgeoning businesses. As the realms of technology and sports continue to converge, collaborations such as this will pave the way for more innovative solutions that cater to evolving fan and market dynamics.

Conclusion

As the Earthquakes embark on this monumental journey with Apollo, it is evident that the future of sports, enriched by AI technologies, holds immense potential for engaging fans and driving sustainable revenue models. This partnership not only equips the Earthquakes with state-of-the-art tools but also places them at the forefront of a sports industry embrace of technology that is not only timely but essential for success.