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Washington DC United (MLS)

Setting the Standard for MLS Fan Engagement

Connecting Fans in the Heart of the Nation
Washington D.C. United is one of Major League Soccer’s most storied franchises, with a legacy of success and a fan base as dynamic as the city itself. As the team looked to amplify its presence and deepen fan loyalty, Watson collaborated with D.C. United to create a strategy that would engage diverse audiences and enhance their connection to the team.

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Watson’s Strategic Engagement Plan

Watson developed a loyalty program tailored to the unique needs of D.C. United’s fan base. This platform rewarded supporters for attending matches, purchasing team merchandise, and participating in digital campaigns. Rewards included priority ticket access, behind-the-scenes experiences, and exclusive content featuring team legends and current players.

Game-day experiences were reimagined with interactive fan zones, live entertainment, and digital tools that allowed fans to engage in real time through polls and stats. Watson also emphasized the team’s ties to Washington, D.C., integrating elements of the city’s culture into the campaign, from pre-game community events to partnerships with local businesses.

RESEARCH

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Results

Results and Lessons for Teams

The initiative resulted in a 23% increase in match attendance and a 27% growth in online interactions. Merchandise revenue rose by 21%, reflecting the success of the loyalty platform in driving purchases. Community event participation also surged, reinforcing the team’s connection to its supporters.

For organizations aiming to replicate this success, Watson recommends emphasizing local partnerships, tailoring rewards to diverse fan segments, and leveraging digital tools to enhance the game-day experience. D.C. United’s success underscores the importance of blending tradition with innovation to create meaningful connections with fans.

Benefits

Not Everything. Just What Works.

Strategy

Build from insight. Strategy isn’t guesswork—it’s groundwork. We listen, research, and distill what matters to guide smarter decisions and set a solid creative direction.

Content

Make it meaningful. From naming to narratives, we create content that speaks with purpose—rooted in truth, tuned to your audience, and built to connect.

Digital

Design for behavior. We craft digital experiences that are intuitive, scalable, and aligned with how real people move, click, swipe, and search.

Experiential

Bring brands to life. Physical spaces, moments, and memories matter. We design experiences that feel human—and stay with you long after the lights go out.

Marketing

Drive connection. Our marketing approach blends data and instinct—getting the right message to the right people, in ways that actually move them.

Consulting

Partner on progress. We work alongside your team to solve real problems, shift thinking, and build internal alignment—without the agency ego.