Disney World become founding sponsor for Orlando City Soccer Club

Walt Disney World is now the founding sponsor of the Orlando City Soccer Club.

Walt Disney World President George Kalogridis, Senior Vice President of Disney Sports Enterprises Maribeth Bisienere, Mickey Mouse, Orlando City Soccer Club owner Flávio Augusto da Silva and several players, including Kaká, pose in front of Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom to mark the announcement of a multi-year agreement between the two brands.  The deal, announced March 4, makes Walt Disney World Resort a founding sponsor of the club.

“This collaboration further strengthens the existing bond between the two Orlandos – the one known around the world as Disney theme parks and the metropolitan, vibrant growing downtown represented by Purple Pride,” Club President and Founder Phil Rawlins said in a news release.

Disney World becomes the official theme park and resort destination of the Orlando City Soccer Club, Disney Cruise Line becomes the official cruise line and Disney Vacation Club becomes the official vacation club of the team, according to the agreement. In addition Disney will have branding at Orlando City home matches at the Citrus Bowl in 2015.

The 2015 Major League Soccer season kicks off March 8 at the Orlando Citrus Bowl as the Lions host New York City FC.