Microsoft will be the main kit sponsor of the Seattle Sounders FC MLS expansion team. A “kit,” for you Yanks, is the name for the uniform footballers wear, of which a logo of Microsoft’s choosing will be on the front. Right now, it looks like the Sounders will be wearing the slogan “Xbox 360 LIVE” on their shirt, for which Redmond has to pay $4 million.

The Seattle Sounders is partly owned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.

In any event, Microsoft joins a long list of technology companies that sponsor football (soccer) teams. Samsung sponsors England’s Chelsea FC (above); Garmin’s got Middlesbrough FC and Spain’s Real Betis; and Best Buy sponsors fellow MLS outfit Chicago Fire.