Spurs show the way to San Jose - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Spurs show the way to San Jose

Tottenham have announced a "football and commercial development" partnership with Major League Soccer's San Jose Earthquakes.

Spurs, who are bottom of the Premier League, view the United States as an important market and will work with their MLS partners to look at areas such as marketing around their stadium.

In turn, the Earthquakes can use the training and coaching models from Spurs and a statement from the North London club read: "The agreement will focus on football and commercial development that will see the implementation of a best practice exchange programme, with the objective of creating a lasting bond between the two clubs."

MLS contract rules, with players franchised from the league, means Spurs could not use the Earthquakes as a feeder club, although they could still loan players to them as they would to other teams.

The partnership raises the possibility of a pre-season tour to America, which Chelsea have previously done as they look to expand their brand. Spurs are currently one year into a partnership with South African league champions SuperSport United.

"This agreement with San Jose Earthquakes will provide us with an excellent opportunity to access a key region in a global market," said Spurs executive director Paul Barber.

"As a club we are continually looking for innovative ways to evolve and our partnership with the Earthquakes will enable us to market Tottenham to a wider audience.

"We already have a fan base within the state of California and the opportunity to grow the brand in the US is very appealing."

Tapping into the American market would inevitably increase the value of the club, although Spurs have consistently denied they are actively looking to sell the club.

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