Hublot, the renowned Swiss luxury watchmaker, has taken a significant step into the world of Major League Soccer by signing a multi-year deal with Austin FC as their Official Timekeeper. The partnership, set to commence from the 2023/24 season, marks Hublot’s entry into the American soccer scene and solidifies their commitment to expanding their presence in North America.
Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We are looking forward to timing memorable experiences for people who love football in the United States. Following the opening of our Austin Boutique last year, we are thrilled to share our love for the game with the residents and visitors in the city of Austin.”
The decision to join forces with Austin FC stems from Hublot’s long-standing association with football. Since 2006, Hublot has been involved in various football events, starting with their partnership with the Swiss National team. Over the years, they have become the Official Timekeeper for prestigious tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup™, FIFA Women’s World Cup™, UEFA Euro™, UEFA Champions League, and the English Premier League.
This commitment to the beautiful game is evident in Hublot’s roster of brand ambassadors, which includes football stars like Kylian Mbappé, Alex Morgan, and Didier Deschamps, as well as renowned coach José Mourinho. Their affiliation with these influential figures further cements Hublot’s position as a respected authority in football.
Austin FC, the 27th club in Major League Soccer, made its debut in April 2021 and quickly gained a passionate following in one of America’s fastest-growing cities. The team plays its home matches at the Q2 Stadium, a state-of-the-art venue that was fully funded privately. In their second year in MLS, Austin FC finished second in the Western Conference and made an impressive run to the Western Conference Final during the 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs.
In addition to their senior team, Austin FC operates the Austin FC Academy, a fully funded developmental academy that serves as the highest level of competition for elite youth soccer players in Central Texas. They also launched Austin FC II in 2023, a professional-level development team that competes in the MLS NEXT Pro league, providing a pathway for young players to progress to the first team.
The partnership between Hublot and Austin FC not only showcases the growing popularity of soccer in the United States but also highlights Hublot’s commitment to supporting the sport at every level. Fans can look forward to seeing Hublot’s timekeeping precision displayed prominently during Austin FC’s matches, further enhancing the already vibrant and electrifying atmosphere at the Q2 Stadium.