Walmart partners with Major League Soccer in multi-year deal

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - Walmart (NYSE:WMT), the retail powerhouse with a market capitalization of $783 billion and annual revenue exceeding $685 billion, announced Tuesday a multi-year partnership with Major League Soccer (MLS) and Leagues Cup, positioning the retail giant as an official partner of both organizations ahead of the 2026 World Cup. According to InvestingPro analysis, Walmart currently appears overvalued relative to its Fair Value, though it maintains strong financial health metrics.

The collaboration, which begins with the current Leagues Cup tournament running through August 31, aims to expand fan engagement through stadium activations, merchandise offerings, and digital content.

Starting in 2026, the partnership will introduce dedicated Saturday programming featuring marquee matchups and enhanced storytelling across platforms. Walmart will also participate in rivalry matches, tentpole events, and community activations.

"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. "We’re focused on celebrating the game and making it more personal for fans." This strategic expansion comes as Walmart demonstrates robust business performance, with InvestingPro data showing a 4.2% revenue growth and maintaining dividend payments for 53 consecutive years. InvestingPro subscribers have access to 10+ additional key insights about Walmart’s financial performance and growth prospects.

To support the partnership, Walmart has launched a curated shopping hub at Walmart.com/Soccer with merchandise and game-day essentials.

Carter Ladd, MLS EVP and Chief Revenue Officer, noted that MLS has "the youngest and most diverse fan base in North American pro sports," making the Walmart partnership strategically significant for both organizations.

The announcement comes as North American soccer prepares for increased attention with the approaching 2026 World Cup. The current Leagues Cup features an expanded format with 18 clubs from both MLS and Mexico’s LIGA MX competing in a tournament that concludes August 31.

According to the press release statement, the partnership will also include the creation of a custom creator network bringing together cultural influencers, designers, players, and teams to deliver exclusive content highlighting soccer’s expanding cultural footprint. The initiative aligns with Walmart’s strong market position, reflected in its beta of 0.68, indicating lower volatility than the broader market. For comprehensive analysis of Walmart’s strategic initiatives and financial outlook, investors can access the detailed Pro Research Report available on InvestingPro.

In other recent news, Walmart has announced plans to transform Vizio into a private-label brand by 2025, restricting sales exclusively to Walmart and Sam’s Club locations. This move follows Walmart’s acquisition of Vizio for $2.3 billion last year, aimed at bolstering its advertising business. Additionally, Walmart’s suppliers have paused some orders from Bangladeshi garment manufacturers due to potential tariffs threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump. This situation could impact Bangladesh’s significant apparel exports to the United States.

In a safety-related development, Walmart has recalled approximately 850,000 Ozark Trail water bottles due to potential laceration hazards, as reported by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Furthermore, the company has opened its first owned beef processing facility in Olathe, Kansas, which will distribute Angus beef to Walmart stores across the Midwest. This facility is part of Walmart’s strategy to establish an end-to-end beef supply chain. Lastly, Walmart plans to close a Sam’s Club fulfillment center in Fort Worth, Texas, which could result in job losses, though the exact impact on employment remains uncertain.

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