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2027-28 Sounders FC Membership Renewals: What Alliance Members Should Know

Sounders FC will launch the next membership renewal process on Thursday, July 16, and this year’s renewal decision will feel different than usual.

Update: Sounders FC has shared that renewal notices will now be sent to members on Thursday, July 16. We have updated the dates in this post to reflect the new timeline.

The reason is the upcoming MLS calendar change.

Beginning in summer 2027, MLS will move to a summer-to-spring season that more closely aligns with many of the top leagues around the world. Before that new calendar begins, MLS will play a 14-game transition season (Sprint Season) from February to May 2027. For Sounders fans, that means a 7-match home schedule for the 2027 Sprint Season.

For Alliance Members, this year’s renewal process is not just about renewing for “next season” in the usual way. Members will have two main choices:

Renew for the short 2027 Sprint Season only

or

Renew for both the 2027 Sprint Season and the full 2027-28 season through the Evergreen Membership

That choice is the biggest thing to understand before renewals open.

MLS Calendar Change. 2027 Sprint Season, 2027-2028 Regular Season

The short version

The Sprint Season is the short transition season before MLS moves to the new calendar. It includes 7 Sounders home matches as part of a 14-game MLS regular season.

The Evergreen Membership includes the Sprint Season plus the full 2027-28 season that follows, for a total of 25 home matches.

If you do not take action during the renewal window, you will automatically renew into the Evergreen Membership on an 11-month payment plan.

That may be the right choice for many members, but it is worth reviewing your account once renewals open so you know exactly what you are renewing into.

The club will be sharing official renewal information directly with members, including full package details, pricing, deadlines, and benefit information. This post is intended to help translate the key points into a simple, member-focused overview so you can make the best decision for your seats.

Key renewal dates

Here are the important dates members should watch for:

  • July 16: Renewal process launches
  • July 16-31: Renewal decision window
  • August 4: First payment processed
  • August 17-24: Seat relocation window
  • August 31: New memberships open, with priority for those who placed a deposit

We strongly recommend adding these dates to your calendar, especially the July 31 renewal deadline.

Alliance Member benefits

Choosing Sprint or Evergreen does not change your core member benefits. Both options include:

  • Apple TV subscription
  • Concessions and retail discounts
  • Ticket return credit
  • Alliance Member voting rights
  • Core Alliance Member benefits

The biggest differences are the length of your commitment and the lower average price per game for the 25-match package.

What are the renewal options?

Sprint Season Only

The Sprint Membership includes the 7 Sounders home matches during the short transition season. It does not include the full 2027-28 season that follows.

Members who choose Sprint will have another renewal decision to make before the 2027-28 season.

This may be a good fit for members who want to renew for the transition season but are not ready to commit to the full 2027-28 season yet.

Sprint Membership pricing will increase for the Sprint Season, then return to 2026 pricing for the 2027-28 membership cycle. Inaugural pricing will remain in place where applicable.

Evergreen Membership

The Evergreen Membership includes both the short Sprint Season and the full 2027-28 season.

This is likely the best fit for members who know they want to continue with their seats through the transition season and into the first full season under the new MLS calendar.

Members selecting Evergreen will receive:

  • Flat base membership pricing for the Sprint Season and the 2027-28 season with no price increase from 2026-27 season
  • A streamlined renewal process, with no need to renew again until the 2028-29 season
  • A premium renewal gift, a Rains + Sounders jacket, allocated one per seat
  • Access to the new “Life Happens Opt Out” program 

Members may still see a slight increase because of local sales tax changes, but the base membership price will not change for Evergreen Members during this renewal cycle.

Most importantly, Evergreen is the default renewal option if members do not make a change during the renewal window.

No action means Evergreen

One of the most important things to know:

If you do not take action during the renewal window, you will automatically renew into the Evergreen Membership on an 11-month payment plan.

For many members, that may be exactly what they want. But because this is not a normal renewal year, every member should review their options when the renewal information arrives.

“Life Happens” Opt Out

For members selecting the Evergreen Membership, the Sounders are introducing a Life Happens Opt Out program. 

This program is for Evergreen Members who experience a life change that impacts their ability to continue their membership into the 2027-28 season. Members who have completed their last payment and are fully paid will have a window in June to use the “Life Happens Opt Out” if needed. Members who opt out will receive a 90% refund (with 10% retained as a processing fee). 

Alliance Council does not yet have the full details of this program, so members who think they may need this option should review the club’s official renewal information carefully and contact their ticket representative with questions.

Alliance Council will keep listening

Alliance Council’s goal is to help Sounders Alliance members understand the renewal process, ask informed questions, and share feedback with the club.

We’ve included a handful of questions and answers below. As more details are released, we will continue to review the information and help members navigate the process.

If you have questions, concerns, or feedback about renewals, please reach out to Alliance Council or talk with us at an upcoming match.

FAQ

Why is there a Sprint Season?

MLS is changing its calendar so future seasons will run more like many global soccer leagues, starting in the summer and ending in the spring.

To get from the current calendar to the new calendar, MLS will first play a shorter transition season in early 2027. That is the Sprint Season.

The Sprint Season will run from February to May 2027 and include a 14-game regular season, with each club playing 7 home matches and 7 away matches.

After that, the first full season under the new format will begin in summer 2027 and continue into spring 2028, with a winter break built into the schedule.

What is the ticket return credit?

Ticket return credit will continue as a member benefit. 

Sprint and Evergreen Memberships can return two games for the Sprint Season. 

For the full 2027-28 season, return ticket credit returns to normal with Alliance Members able to return 7 or 8 games, depending on their ticket type (club, etc.).

Members should review their official renewal materials for full details on how ticket return credit works, when it can be used, and if their membership qualifies for 7 or 8 games in 2027-28.

Is there a pay-in-full credit?

Members who choose a qualifying full package and pay in full will receive a $100 credit that can be used toward concessions or retail.

This is a helpful benefit for members who prefer to pay all at once and know they will be spending money at matches throughout the season.

What is the renewal gift?

The premium renewal gift is a RAINS + Sounders jacket, allocated one per seat for Evergreen memberships.

Rains is a well-known outerwear brand, and similar jackets often retail around $170. The club is also considering opportunities for members to try on jacket sizes at select matches before placing their order.

More details should be included in the official renewal materials.

Is Apple TV still included?

Yes. Apple TV subscription remains included with both membership options.

Can I change my payment method, split payments or payment schedule?

The club’s newer ticketing and account system will offer more flexibility for managing payments. Members should review their account once renewals open to confirm payment method, payment schedule, and available options like splitting payments with a friend.

Because the first payment will process on August 4, it is a good idea to review your payment information before that date.

Will pricing change?

For Evergreen Members, base membership pricing will remain flat for the Sprint Season and the 2027-28 season.

Members may still see a slight increase related to local sales tax changes. The increase is approximately 0.6%.

As always, members should review the final pricing shown in their account and reach out to their ticket representative with any questions.

What about gate timing and matchday access?

We know gate timing and early access are important topics for many members.

At this time, gate timing for next season is still to be determined. The club has not committed to specific gate opening times, so members should watch for additional updates as the season approaches.

Alliance Council will continue to ask questions and share member feedback on this topic.

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News

Season Ticket Renewals: Key Dates, Benefits, and Updates

The Seattle Sounders Alliance Council recently met with the Front Office to review important details for the 2026 Season Membership renewal process. Here’s what you should know about renewal dates, updated benefits, and new policies for the upcoming MLS season.

Renewal Window and Automatic Enrollment

The renewal period will open on August 27 or 28 (final date depends on Leagues Cup results) and will close on September 10. The first payment will be due on September 11.

All current Season Members will be automatically renewed into their same seats on a six-part payment plan, unless they opt out during the renewal window.

UPDATE: Because of the Leagues Cup Final, the renewal period will now open on September 2.

New and Enhanced Member Benefits

The 2026 season brings several exciting new perks that celebrate member loyalty and enhance the matchday experience at Lumen Field:

  • Tenure Recognition – Special acknowledgment for members at 5, 10, or 15 consecutive years of membership.
  • Mobile Wallet Concession Discounts – 10% off for General Members, 15% off for Club Members.
  • 15% off Single Match Seattle Reign FC Tickets – Members will enjoy discounts on single-match tickets for Seattle’s NWSL side, the Reign.

These updates reflect member survey feedback emphasizing community connection and longtime supporter recognition. Nearly 13,000 seats are held by fans with over a decade of continuous membership.

Important Dates for 2026 Season

  • Seat Relocation Window – Opens September 29.
  • New Membership Sales & Public On-Sale – Begin October 4.

*Dates may change slightly as the club finalizes plans.*

Season Ticket Policy Updates

  • Inaugural Members will continue receiving their preferred season ticket rate.
  • While pricing discounts based on tenure are not currently planned, the club is actively evaluating long-term opportunities as more members reach milestone anniversaries.

Member Gifts & Renewal Portal

The Member Gift Portal opens September 15, giving fans a chance to select from items like a scarf, sweatshirt, hat, and—for longer-tenured members—a blanket.

Some items will include tenure-specific recognition, and all members will receive an additional bonus item in their gift box. Gifts will begin shipping around February 6, 2026.

Pricing & Invoicing

The 2026 season will feature the lowest ticket price increases in four years. Invoices have been redesigned for clarity, showing:

  • Return ticket credits clearly itemized
  • A simplified six-installment payment plan applied by default

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News

Inside Seattle’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Plans with Peter Tomozawa

The Seattle Sounders Alliance Council recently had the honor of sitting down for a roundtable discussion with Peter Tomozawa, Chief Executive Officer of Seattle FIFA World Cup 2026, to hear first-hand how our city is preparing to host the world’s biggest sporting event.

From Lumen Field to the new waterfront, Seattle is aiming to deliver a world-class fan experience rooted in local culture, accessibility, and sustainability. Here are the highlights every Seattle soccer fan should know.

Strategic Pillars for Seattle 2026

Seattle’s vision for the 2026 FIFA World Cup focuses on three core pillars:

  • Human Rights – Ensuring inclusivity, equality, and safe spaces for all fans and participants.
  • Accessibility – Creating a fan-friendly experience for residents, visitors, and supporters of all abilities.
  • Sustainability – Minimizing environmental impact while maximizing positive legacy for the community.

The “Unity Loop” Fan Experience

One of the centerpiece features of Seattle’s World Cup festivities will be the Unity Loop, a pedestrian-friendly pathway linking some of the city’s most iconic locations.

The loop will start at Lumen Field, extend through the Seattle waterfront, Seattle Center, Westlake, and the Chinatown-International District, before returning to Lumen. Along the way, visitors will enjoy public art installations, cultural landmarks, and 15–20 selfie stations designed for sharable moments on social media.

Public Art Installations

Seattle is already bringing the vision to life with new murals downtown:

  • United Currents by Seattle artist Leo Shallat at Spring Street & 5th Avenue.
  • United by Nature by internationally recognized street artist INO, covering 17 stories at 1306 Western Avenue.

These works mark the start of a larger plan to showcase Seattle’s vibrant art scene to both local fans and global visitors.

Key Dates & Initiatives for Fans

  • Fall 2025 – World Cup ticket strips go on sale.
  • December 5, 2025 – Official FIFA World Cup match draw.
  • Spring 2026 – Launch of a FIFA World Cup mobile app (inspired by Pokémon GO) with interactive challenges and prizes.
  • 100 Days Out – City celebration featuring the unveiling of a permanent statue by a Seattle artist.
  • Volunteer Program – Apply now to join FIFA’s official volunteer team.

Stadium & Field Preparations

Once the NFL season ends, Lumen Field will replace its artificial turf with natural grass, currently expected in February 2026. This will give fans, and players, a grass pitch experience for World Cup matches. The Seattle Sounders are expected to begin their 2026 MLS season on the new grass field.

MLS Season Pause for the World Cup

Major League Soccer has confirmed it will pause league play during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This ensures full player availability for national teams and an undistracted fan atmosphere across North America.

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Uncategorized

Seattle Sounders FC Alliance Council Statement on Club World Cup Compensation

The Sounders FC Alliance Council firmly supports the Seattle Sounders FC players in their pursuit of fairand increased compensation for participating inthe FIFA Club World Cup. At the time of negotiating thecurrent Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the expanded version of this tournament did not exist. Itis unreasonable to argue that the players bargained for participation in an event that was fundamentallychanged after negotiations concluded.

Major League Soccer (MLS) leveraged the unprecedented circumstances surrounding COVID-19,including the looming threat of a league lockout, to compel players into twice re-negotiating their ownCBA agreements in 2020 and 2021. It is those particular concessions by the players that extended theoutdated CBA bonus clause to cover this event. It is imperative that MLS now honor the principles ofgood faith negotiations and incentivizing future success rather than pursuing actions that underminelabor protections and the fair treatment of its players.

The Alliance Council is united with our players, calling upon MLS to engage in sincere and transparentnegotiations, ensuring that our athletes receive just compensation and respect for their participation inthe prestigiousFIFAClub World Cup.

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Meetings

Summary of the December 2024 Council Meeting

The Seattle Sounders FC Alliance Council held its meeting on December 3, 2024, at the Sounders Performance Center and Clubhouse, with 19 of 20 members present either in person or via Teams. The meeting began with introductions of three new council members: Patrick Holmes, Tyler Schnaidt, and Amanda Shellenberger. Council President Cameron Collins announced he would not seek re-election after five years in office, thanked the council for the opportunity to serve, and humorously pardoned Sammy the Sounder for a past incident. Elections for the Executive Committee followed, resulting in Duane Nakamura as President, Lucas Michaud as Vice-President, Cameron Collins as Secretary, and Nicholaus Biela and Jerry Neil as At-Large Members. The meeting adjourned unanimously.

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News

Seattle Sounders FC Alliance Council Statement on Sounders FC and Providence Partnership – Follow-up

On Friday, May 12, representatives of the Alliance Council met with several executives within the Providence Health system and representatives of the team’s supporter groups. The meeting began with Providence sharing programs that both themselves and their affiliate, Swedish Health Services are focusing on, like increasing training to respect trans patients and creating health care navigators to increase access to LGBTQ services in rural areas. They committed that the Work2BeWell program at Renton Schools includes support for LGBTQ students. They told us that Medicaid patients that were illegally referred to debt collectors was an unfortunate oversight, and that they were reimbursed with interest. And the speakers from Providence and Swedish seemed to want to be supportive of values that we treasure.

But after questioning at the meeting, it seems pretty clear that as expected, despite the long waiting lists for gender-affirming care for example, there are lots of services that Providence will not offer (like hormone therapy or tubal ligations) unless deemed “medically necessary” and requires refusal or contracting out to other providers outside the Catholic health system.

One clear takeaway from the discussion is that Swedish and partners like Planned Parenthood are more in line with the values of our community than the Providence ministry is. However, as several members of the supporter groups pointed out, Swedish is not the brand on our jersey, but Providence is. And for many Sounders fans, it is the placing of the Providence brand on our jerseys for our fans to buy and our players to wear that they feel especially betrayed by.

While we are well aware that this sponsorship deal will not be dissolved, and that Providence will not be changing any major policies based on the views of Sounders supporters, perhaps there can be future compromise in the branding verbiage displayed on Sounders jerseys. Finally, we look forward to seeing Providence keep their commitments through the programs they discussed and the future treatment of low-income patients.

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News

Seattle Sounders FC Alliance Council Statement on Sounders FC and Providence Partnership

The Alliance Council shares the concerns of many regarding the new partnership between Providence and the Seattle Sounders FC. While the announcement focuses on mental health support in teens, and the commitment to bolster resources and options in the community is an admirable step, this does not overshadow the seemingly profound disconnect with the club’s organizational values.

The Seattle Sounders have stood tall as a club that believes, among other things, that “Reproductive Rights are Human Rights” and that they “Stand For LGBTQ+ Equality“. However, these values do not seem to be reflected in Providence’s policies around abortion rights, fairness in the treatment of transgender people, and low-income patients. This is a confusing and disappointing club decision and is in direct opposition to the Sounders’ Social Impact goals and promises.

While the Alliance Council were not consulted on this decision, we will be meeting with Sounders leadership and ownership to discuss this matter and express our concerns over this partnership agreement and what it means to us as a community.

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News

Sounders FC Alliance Council Statement on Departure of Garth Lagerwey

We at Seattle Sounders FC Alliance Council wish to congratulate Garth Lagerwey on his new position with Atlanta United. His time with the Sounders truly brought immortality, with two MLS Cups, three Generation Adidas titles, and the CONCACAF Champions League Final trophy. The Council was lucky enough to work closely with Garth throughout the years, and we are thankful for his time, insight, and candor. Thank you for everything, Garth.

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News

Seattle Sounders FC Alliance Council Statement on Yates Report

The Seattle Sounders Alliance Council was dismayed and disheartened to read the results of the Yates investigation referencing the rampant and systematic failure to protect and respect NWSL players. As fans of the beautiful game in all its forms at all levels we find these behaviors unacceptable and those responsible for this ongoing abuse need to be held accountable for their actions. Despite the MLS Commissioner’s recent disappointing comments, we believe there is more work to be done.

We stand behind the players as they speak out against these findings, respect, and applaud their bravery in sharing deeply traumatic experiences, and join our voices to those seeking specific and immediate changes across these organizations. Additionally, we’d task all US Soccer organizations, including our own Sounders, to review any policies currently in place to ensure the safety and security of all athletes and staff at all levels of play and to immediately put measures into place where they are currently lacking.

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Meetings

Statement regarding the 2019 Alliance Annual Business Meeting

3 December 2019

By Martin Buckley

Firstly, as President of the Sounders FC Alliance Council, I would like to personally apologise for the late changes in dates, venue and format of the Alliance Annual Business Meeting.

I would like to take a few moments and give some comments and colour regarding the 2019 Annual Business Meeting; specifically addressing some of the questions Alliance Council has received and to extinguish the speculative, inaccurate and sometimes malicious commentary that has been circulating.

Firstly: Alliance Council took your feedback from the past two Annual Business Meetings to heart. We heard that the streaming worked for many – but that you missed a lot of the connection and contacts that came from a larger in-person event. The two Annual Business Meetings that were held in the Ninety were smaller in size – but the number of RSVPs to attend were small. In addition we supported the Club in setting up the now annual Fan Appreciation event during the Summer – which allowed a lot more of us to celebrate, meet with players and listen to our ownership and General Manager.

Secondly: the Annual Business Meeting is an important review of the year for Alliance members. Our Constitution demands the meeting at the close of the playing season. This requires a partnership with the Club at all levels. Without this partnership it is near impossible to hold a meaningful meeting – you expect and deserve representation from Alliance Council, Ownership, Front Office and our General Manager.

Since December 2018, Alliance Council have been requesting a larger, in-person event. The club was broadly supportive. During the Spring and Summer our working group was meeting to discuss the requirements and logistics for such an event. During the Fall of this year we were jointly reviewing venues that would support this in-person event. Our original preference for a date was before the playoffs, during the international break. Club limitations prevented this. We settled on a date in mid-November. We had a date, a venue and started the communication.

There was a wrinkle. We knew that our strong finish in the West would mean home playoff games. We knew that permutations in the East gave a small chance of a home final. Then we beat LA. We all held our breath while Toronto did their piece. The Front Office went into MLS Cup overdrive – selling out the stadium, preparing for our biggest home game – and also planning for a potential parade in the week following the cup game.

Hosting the cup, celebrating the parade – that meant that the original meeting could not happen on the same day. Complications were added as ownership and our General Manager were being pulled across the continent for league and confederation business. It’s December – and at short notice most venues are not available. This is where we are.

As I said – we listened – and winning our second star got in the way.

Democracy in Sports requires being thoughtful. Our ask for 2020 is that the Front Office work with Alliance Council early – and lock down the Annual Business Meeting for 2020. We ask that the date and venue details are communicated pre-season so we can have the Annual Business meeting that we all expect and deserve.