The Portland Timbers, a professional soccer team in the Major League Soccer (MLS), has recently announced the termination of their corporate sponsorship with DaBella Exteriors. DaBella, a home improvement services company specializing in roofing and siding, was set to be the club’s new front-of-shirt sponsor. However, the decision to cancel the partnership comes in light of harassment allegations against the chief executive of DaBella, Donnie McMillan Jr.
The allegations of sexual harassment were detailed in a report by The Oregonian, which claimed that McMillan Jr. is facing a lawsuit that could uncover complaints from at least three female employees. The lawsuit against DaBella and McMillan Jr. was made public on February 23, and the Timbers learned of it on February 27. The team quickly decided to terminate the sponsorship, effective immediately.
In a statement, the Timbers explained that they conducted a thorough pre-deal vetting process with a third-party firm, but they did not learn of the lawsuit until after the sponsorship deal was already in place. The decision to terminate the partnership was rooted in the responsibility the club has to their fans, supporters, partners, and employees to transparently reflect and uphold the values and expectations of their community.
The termination of the sponsorship will come at a significant cost for the Timbers. They have a substantial inventory of 2024 jerseys with the DaBella logo on the front, as well as other activations and signage throughout the stadium. Timbers CEO Heather Davis acknowledged that this situation is unprecedented and said that the team is working with MLS and Adidas to figure out the next steps.
While the financial consequences are undoubtedly significant, Davis emphasized that the team’s decision was not influenced by money. The priority was to do what was in the best interest of the club, community, staff, and other corporate partners. The Timbers will remove all jerseys with the DaBella logo from team stores at the stadium, and the team will play in a shirt with a blank front for the time being. There are currently no plans for a new jersey-front sponsorship.
The decision to terminate the partnership is a major blow for the Timbers, who have already faced difficulties in recent years. An investigation commissioned by U.S. Soccer in 2022 revealed allegations of sexual coercion and manipulative behavior by former Thorns head coach Paul Riley. The investigation also shed light on how Timbers owner Merritt Paulson minimized and obscured the truth about Riley’s actions when speaking with another team owner who ultimately hired Riley. Paulson has since sold the Thorns.
The Timbers have also faced criticism for a toxic workplace culture for women and working mothers under former president of business Mike Golub. Golub was fired after the U.S. Soccer investigation report, along with former Timbers president of soccer, Gavin Wilkinson. Additionally, the team was fined $25,000 by MLS for failing to report allegations of assault against a former player, Andy Polo.
Overall, the termination of the sponsorship with DaBella Exteriors is a significant development for the Portland Timbers. It reflects the team’s commitment to upholding their values and expectations, even if it comes at a financial cost. The Timbers will now need to navigate the challenges of finding a new jersey-front sponsor and continue their efforts to create a safe and inclusive environment for all.