Getty Images secures role as MLS Official Photography Partner

Published 28/03/2025, 14:02
Getty Images secures role as MLS Official Photography Partner

NEW YORK - Getty Images (GETY), a leading global provider of visual content with annual revenues of $939 million and an impressive 73% gross profit margin, has secured a multi-year partnership with Major League Soccer (MLS) to become the league’s Official Photography Partner. This collaboration will see Getty Images handle the editing, distribution, and licensing of MLS’s owned imagery, which will be available for editorial and commercial use on gettyimages.com. According to InvestingPro analysis, Getty Images has maintained profitability over the last twelve months, with analysts expecting continued net income growth this year.

The deal includes comprehensive photo coverage of all MLS matches and events, such as the regular season and the MLS Cup Playoffs presented by Audi. This partnership aims to bolster MLS’s growing popularity, following a record-setting season in attendance, merchandise sales, and social media engagement. While Getty Images’ stock has experienced significant volatility recently, trading near its 52-week low, InvestingPro analysis suggests the company is currently undervalued. Discover 10+ additional exclusive insights and detailed financial analysis available through the Pro Research Report, part of the comprehensive coverage of 1,400+ US stocks.

Michael Heiman, Getty Images Vice President of Global Sport, expressed pride in the partnership, stating that it will enable the delivery of compelling sports content globally, leveraging Getty Images’ technology and innovation. The company’s strong market position is reflected in its financial performance, maintaining a healthy revenue growth rate of 2.48% over the last twelve months. The company’s soccer portfolio in North America is expanding, having recently signed with the National Women’s Soccer League, and aims to deliver high-quality soccer imagery to fans and customers.

MLS is celebrating its 30th season, which commenced on February 22, 2025, and has introduced its 30th club, San Diego FC. Rachel Hoagland, MLS SVP of Consumer Products, highlighted the league’s excitement in capturing the essence of the sport through this partnership, which coincides with what is anticipated to be the league’s most significant year.

Getty Images has a longstanding history of partnering with major sports leagues and governing bodies, currently serving as the official photographer or photographic partner to over 125 organizations, including FIFA, the International Olympic Committee, and the NBA, covering more than 50,000 sports events annually.

This announcement is based on a press release statement.

In other recent news, Getty Images Holdings Inc. reported strong financial results for the fourth quarter of 2024, with revenue reaching $247.3 million, surpassing forecasts, and adjusted EBITDA increasing by 11.7%. The company noted a 9.5% year-over-year revenue growth, buoyed by a significant rise in editorial revenue, despite a slight decline in creative revenue. Additionally, Getty Images successfully reduced its net leverage to below four times for the first time in over a decade. Analysts at JMP maintained a Market Outperform rating for Getty Images, citing the company’s robust earnings growth and revenue diversification. Meanwhile, Citi analysts resumed coverage with a Neutral rating and a $2.45 price target, expressing caution due to declining agency revenues and economic pressures, though they noted potential benefits from an anticipated merger with Shutterstock. Benchmark analysts, while lowering their price target to $4.50, maintained a Buy rating, acknowledging the company’s fourth-quarter revenue performance, which exceeded expectations. The merger with Shutterstock, expected to finalize in the second half of 2025, is anticipated to bring significant cost savings and a shift towards subscription revenue, which analysts believe could positively impact Getty Images’ financial performance.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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