Idan Toklomati and Kerwin Vargas each score a goal, Charlotte beats NYCFC 2-0
Kristijan Kahlina had three saves for Charlotte (9-11-2).
Idan Toklomati tapped in a first-touch shot — off a cross played by Pep Biel — from point-blank range to give Charlotte a 1-0 lead in the 14th minute. Toklomati has three goals in the last four games.
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Business Wire
7 minutes ago
- Business Wire
Walmart Signs Multi-Year Partnership with Major League Soccer and Leagues Cup to Elevate the Game for U.S. Fans
BENTONVILLE, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Walmart (NYSE: WMT) is stepping onto the pitch in a big way. The company today announced a multi-year partnership that makes the retailer an official partner of Major League Soccer (MLS) and Leagues Cup. This collaboration marks a major milestone in Walmart's expanding investment and commitment to celebrating the world's game and deepening connections with one of the most culturally vibrant and fastest-growing fan bases in North America. Power plays on and off the pitch: what fans can expect This partnership is designed with fans at the center—making it more convenient, immersive, and exciting to engage with soccer, wherever and however they follow the game. Through this partnership, Walmart will activate across stadiums, screens and stores to bring fans closer to the action. As an official partner of MLS and Leagues Cup, Walmart will serve fans at every step of the matchday journey, from in-real-life (IRL) experiences to merchandise coming soon, whether they're shopping for gear, hosting a watch party or connecting with their local soccer community. Key highlights of the multi-year partnership include: Leagues Cup Spotlight: Walmart will be front and center for the highly anticipated tournament between clubs from MLS and LIGA MX. Kicking off today and culminating in the final on August 31, this year's edition features a new two-phase format and 18 clubs from both leagues—bringing more top-tier soccer to fans across North America. Walmart's partnership means more activations and opportunities for fans to get in on the action. Dedicated Programming on Saturdays: Major League Soccer and Walmart share a commitment to enhancing the fan experience and growing the cultural impact of the game. As part of that shared vision, beginning in 2026, Saturdays will feature elevated storytelling designed to spotlight unmissable marquee matchups and further enhance how fans connect with MLS across platforms. Additional details will be shared ahead of launch. Creator Network: Storytelling Beyond the 90 Minutes: Soccer stories don't end at the final whistle. MLS is launching a custom creator network — bringing together cultural influencers, designers, players and teams to deliver exclusive behind-the-scenes content and highlight how Walmart is dedicated to soccer's ever-expanding place. Multi-Channel Fan Engagement: Walmart is connecting with fans wherever they are, whenever they want. Expect digital and in-real-life (IRL) experiences at rivalry matches, tentpole events and community activations, plus branded integrations and national media moments that make every matchday unforgettable. 'Soccer is more than a sport — it's a culture and a community, and one that's growing rapidly in the U.S.,' said William White, chief marketing officer at Walmart. "Walmart is focused on celebrating the game and making it more personal for fans. It's about celebrating the passion of soccer lovers and creating opportunities for them to connect with the game they love. By partnering with MLS and the Leagues Cup, we're not just supporting soccer—we're empowering fans to shape its future in the U.S.' A fast-growing game, and a fanbase to match Major League Soccer is already home to the youngest and most diverse fan base in North American pro sports, and with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, soccer's rise shows no signs of slowing down. Walmart's investment reflects a long-term commitment to supporting the sport's future in the U.S., starting at the grassroots level and building all the way to the global stage. 'MLS is at the forefront of a cultural movement that's redefining sports fandom in North America,' said Carter Ladd, MLS EVP, Chief Revenue Officer. 'The partnership with Walmart reflects our shared commitment to reaching fans in fresh, authentic ways. Together, we're building pathways to connect with our diverse, passionate, and digitally native MLS fans through storytelling, experiences, and retail moments that reflect the evolving identity of the soccer community.' Everything Fans Need, All in One Place To help fans gear up, Walmart has launched a curated shopping hub filled with everything from tailgate essentials to team merch. The site will evolve throughout the season to reflect fan favorites, tournament timelines and exclusive offerings tied to upcoming matchups. Because fandom doesn't end at the final whistle — and neither does Walmart's commitment to the customers who live it. About Walmart Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) is a people-led, tech-powered omnichannel retailer helping people save money and live better - anytime and anywhere - in stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 270 million customers and members visit more than 10,750 stores and numerous eCommerce websites in 19 countries. With fiscal year 2025 revenue of $681 billion, Walmart employs approximately 2.1 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy, and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting on Facebook at on X (formerly known as Twitter) at and on LinkedIn at Headquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer -- celebrating its 30th season in 2025 -- features 30 clubs throughout the United States and Canada. All MLS, Leagues Cup, and select MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT matches can be watched through MLS Season Pass, available on the Apple TV app on Apple devices, smart TVs, streaming devices, set-top boxes, and game consoles, and the web at MLS Season Pass features the most expansive and accessible lineup of programming ever for MLS fans. For more information about MLS, visit For more information about the Apple TV app, visit Entering its third year, Leagues Cup represents a monumental new chapter for North American club soccer. Since 2023, Major League Soccer and LIGA MX have fueled the long-standing soccer rivalry between the three countries and its first division leagues to compete in this Concacaf-sanctioned summer cup, which qualifies the top three finishers for the Concacaf Champions Cup. Fans in over 100 countries and regions will be able to watch Leagues Cup on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. In addition, TelevisaUnivision, FOX Sports, TSN, and RDS will be the linear broadcast home for select Leagues Cup matches.
USA Today
2 hours ago
- USA Today
Leagues Cup: Game times, TV, live stream, teams for MLS vs. Liga MX tournament
The Leagues Cup – the 36-team tournament featuring select clubs from Major League Soccer and Mexico's Liga MX – is back and will kick off with six games on Tuesday, July 29. This is a modified tournament format from the one used during the last two summers that included every club from MLS and Liga MX. With 18 teams from MLS and 18 teams from Liga MX, at least 94% of the tournament (58 of the 62 possible matches) will feature an MLS club against a Liga MX club before the semifinals. The MLS clubs participating in Leagues Cup were playoff teams last season, with the exception of expansion side San Diego FC, which is taking the place of the Vancouver Whitecaps. The Columbus Crew are the defending Leagues Cup champions, having won the 2024 tournament final over Los Angeles FC. Inter Miami won the 2023 edition of the tournament in Lionel Messi's first season with the team. Here is everything you need to know to follow the 2025 Leagues Cup tournament: Where will Leagues Cup be broadcast? All 62 Leagues Cup matches will be streamed live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. FS1 will broadcast 14 matches. Univision, UniMás and TUDN will provide Spanish-language broadcasts of 16 Leagues Cup matches. You can watch Fox Sports and Univision on Fubo. Watch the entire 2025 Leagues Cup on Apple TV What are the 2025 Leagues Cup teams? MLS Liga MX New format for 2025 Leagues Cup This year, not every team from Major League Soccer will participate (the previous two editions had featured 47 teams). With an even number of teams from each league (18 apiece), it means that each "Phase One" match will feature direct MLS vs. Liga MX matchups. Despite playing against teams from the opposing league, MLS and Liga MX clubs will be in league-specific tables. The top four clubs from each league-specific table advances to the knockout rounds. There are no draws, with games tied after regulation going straight to a penalty shootout. The quarterfinal matchups will be determined by a team's place in the top four of their respective league's table: MLS 1 vs. Liga MX 4, MLS 2 vs. Liga MX 3, MLS 3 vs. Liga MX 2, MLS 4 vs. Liga MX 1). Three Concacaf Champions Cup spots will be rewarded. The winner of the third-place match and the Leagues Cup finalists automatically will qualify for next year's Concacaf Champions Cup competition. The Leagues Cup champion will qualify directly to the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16. The 12 MLS teams not competing in the 2025 Leagues Cup will have a break until Matchday 28 on Aug. 9. What is the 2025 Leagues Cup schedule? (Games on broadcast TV are noted below.) Tuesday, July 29 Wednesday, July 30 Thursday, July 31 Friday, Aug. 1 Saturday, Aug. 2 Sunday, Aug. 3 Tuesday, Aug. 5 Wednesday, Aug. 6 Thursday, Aug. 7 Tuesday, Aug. 19-Wednesday, Aug. 20 Tuesday, Aug. 26-Wednesday, Aug. 27 Sunday, Aug. 31 Sunday, Aug. 31 Previous Leagues Cup winners USA TODAY Sports' 48-page special edition commemorates 30 years of Major League Soccer, from its best players to key milestones and championship dynasties to what exciting steps are next with the World Cup ahead. Order your copy today!
CNBC
2 hours ago
- CNBC
Walmart, MLS ink partnership to capitalize on growing U.S. soccer fandom
Walmart and Major League Soccer are teaming up in a multiyear partnership that will see the retailer establish a bigger foothold in the sport and its growing U.S. fanbase. Walmart will invest in MLS and become an official sponsor and partner of the league. Terms and the exact length of the partnership weren't disclosed. The partnership kicks off with the Leagues Cup, a tournament that begins Tuesday and culminates in a final match on Aug. 31. It features 18 MLS clubs competing against 18 teams from Mexico's Liga MX. "Walmart will be front and center for the highly anticipated tournament," said William White, Walmart's chief marketing officer. During the tournament and beyond, Walmart advertising will be featured across stadiums and other aspects of games, and soccer will be highlighted in its in-store and online shopping experiences. The tie-up comes at a pivotal moment for U.S. soccer as fans look ahead to the 2026 World Cup, which takes place next summer in North America and is expected to drum up new U.S. fans for the global sport. MLS is looking to capitalize on the fervor, just as its various sponsors are looking to do the same. "The lead-up to 2026 is a once-in-a-generational moment for soccer in North America. But for MLS, we've got to take a step back and think about the 30 years we've spent investing in communities across North America to really build sustained energy around the sport that's going to last well beyond the summer's event," said Carter Ladd, executive vice president and chief revenue officer at MLS. "I think we're going to see that momentum between now and next summer where the World Cup is really going to help prop up this partnership." MLS sponsorship revenue was up double digits compared with 2024 as of early May, CNBC reported earlier this year. Major consumer brands have been signing deals with MLS alongside growth in the league's ticket and merchandise sales, particularly since global superstar Lionel Messi joined the Miami club in 2023. However, White and Ladd said in an interview with CNBC the Walmart partnership extends beyond a pure sponsorship deal. While Walmart has already been an advertising partner of MLS, this is its first sponsorship deal with the league — and a first-of-it-kind partnership for both parties, they say. "We're thrilled to be an official MLS sponsor and engage with the league's fast-growing and culturally vibrant fan base," said White. "The fanbase is generally younger, more culturally diverse, and that is an audience that's really important to Walmart. It's a big part of our growing customer base." Nearly three-quarters of the MLS fanbase is made up of Gen Zers or millennials, and more than 30% is Hispanic, according to the league. MLS data shows it has the youngest fanbase compared with other professional men's leagues in North America, and more female fans than other professional men's leagues in the U.S. and Canada. The league's social media presence has been a sign of its growth among younger fans. Its digital audience surpassed 110 million total followers across league and club accounts on platforms including Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, according to the league. As part of the deal, MLS will launch a creator network through which influencers, designers, players and teams will deliver exclusive behind-the-scenes content for league platforms and highlight Walmart's involvement in the sport. In addition, beginning in 2026, the league and Walmart said they will add to the fan experience by building out programming around televised matches on Saturdays that includes more storytelling around games across MLS platforms. Further details will be shared at a later date on this aspect of the partnership. The destination for that content has yet to be developed, however. "It's going to be a new platform that we're going to be kicking off together in partnership with Walmart next year. And it's not going to show up in one place," Ladd said. "It's really going to be a very broad, comprehensive program that touches the community, touches retail and touches media." Walmart will also launch a soccer landing page on its website, called a "curated shopping hub," that will include all things related to the sport — from gear and equipment to tailgate and watch party items. The page will also highlight suppliers that make soccer-related products and could someday host exclusive merchandise.
