Hoffenheim and FC Cincinnati form partnership - "US talent making their mark in Europe"

Cincinnati has a large German community, and the German roots also run deep in the story creation of the local Major League Soccer franchise FC Cincinnati.  As a result, FC Cincinnati have often been voiced as the prime example of an MLS club to sign a partnership with a Bundesliga side. On Friday, that partnership became a reality as FC Cincy announced a transatlantic partnership with 1899 Hoffenheim. 

“This is an exciting day for FC Cincinnati, we're so pleased to have this partnership with Hoffenheim,” FC Cincinnati President Jeff Berding said in a club statement. “These are two clubs who prioritize innovation in decision making, both on the pitch and in the front office. We view this partnership as a terrific opportunity to identify new opportunities and to augment our existing resources.

The two clubs want to cooperate in the following areas: knowledge sharing, talent acquisition, business planing, and brand/corporate social responsibility.  The ultimate goal of the partnership is to build resources, create new opportunities, and open up new revenue potentials for both clubs.

1899 Hoffenheim club profile Check out their squad now Click Here ''Cincinnati are an innovative club, who are currently building a fantastic new stadium,” TSG Hoffenheim director of football Alexander Rosen said. “MLS is a highly interesting environment, as more and more young talents from the US are making their mark in the European leagues. I am convinced that we will be able to profit from one another in various ways. Looking ahead, it is possible that a player exchange between the two clubs may develop.''

Hoffenheim follow Bayern - Second club to form partnership with MLS team

Hoffenheim become the second German club to form a partnership with an MLS franchise. Bayern Munich have an agreement in place with FC Dallas that largely focuses on talent acquisition. Other Bundesliga sides have also explored the North American market and are considering similar partnership agreements. For the Bundesliga, North America is both an exciting market to grow the brand and a relatively untapped market in terms of talent acquisition. 

“I think a partnership with FC Cincinnati and Hoffenheim is the right fit because innovation is a driving force in how the two clubs operate,” FC Cincinnati General Manager Gerard Nijkamp said. “I believe, as an organization, we can learn a lot from Hoffenheim with their experience in the Bundesliga, and they too can learn from us as a growing club in Major League Soccer.”

''We are delighted to have gained a cooperation partner in the USA's growing football market,” TSG Hoffenheim managing director Dr. Peter Görlich said. "We are striving for a wide-ranging partnership that will not only focus on the football academies and the mutual exchange of innovations but will also bolster our companies with a brand and image exchange."