TAMAGOTCHI® CREATOR BANDAI NAMCO TOYS AND COLLECTIBLES AMERICA ESTABLISHES LANDMARK PARTNERSHIP WITH LOS ANGELES' ANGEL CITY FOOTBALL CLUB
Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America Becomes First Major Toy Sponsor of a Premier American Professional Women's Soccer Team
Co-branded, limited-edition ACFC Tamagotchi® device available starting March 16 at ACFC's home opener at BMO Stadium and at www.angelcity.com.
IRVINE, Calif., March 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 2024 was proven to be a banner year for Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America (BNTCA), solidifying its position as a leader in the global toy industry. Today, the company announces a groundbreaking four-year partnership with Angel City Football Club (ACFC), with an option for a fifth, which makes Bandai Namco the first toy brand to sponsor a major U.S. professional women's sports team.
ACFC competes in the National Women's Soccer League, the world's premier women's professional soccer league, and has recently been recognized as the most valuable women's sports team globally. This Founding Level partnership will go beyond the goal posts and aligns two organizations driven by creativity, community, and a shared vision for excellence.
Under ACFC's signature Angel City Sponsorship Model—where 10% of each sponsorship's value is reinvested back into the community—Bandai Namco and ACFC will collaborate to support the SOAR internship program. This initiative provides high school-age young women from under-resourced communities across Los Angeles with grants and mentorship opportunities, including interactions with Bandai Namco employees who will share insights about building futures in creative industries.
As part of this collaboration, Bandai Namco is launching a co-branded, limited-edition Tamagotchi device featuring an ACFC-themed makeover. This exclusive collectible will be available starting March 16, coinciding with ACFC's home opener at BMO Stadium, and will also be sold on ACFC's online store at www.angelcity.com.
"At the Bandai Namco Group, our Mid to Long-Term Vision is to 'Connect with Fans,' and we are dedicated to building global communities with all stakeholders including fans of manga, anime, and games. ACFC's mission to create lasting communities by uniting football and service deeply resonated with us. We are thrilled and proud to support this club and work together to build meaningful connections for generations to come," said Kotaro Hama, CEO of Bandai Namco Toys and Collectibles America.
"At Angel City Football Club, we've always championed creativity, community, and innovation—and this partnership with Bandai Namco Toys and Collectibles America is a perfect match for our values. Tamagotchi has been a beloved icon for generations, and now, with its ACFC twist, we're uniting fans of all ages in a truly unique way. Together, we're not just creating cool collectibles; we're building opportunities for young women to chase their dreams on and off the pitch," said Julie Uhrman, CEO and Co-Founder of Angel City Football Club.
About Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America Inc.
Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America Inc. (BNTCA) is a leading innovator in toys and collectibles. Known for iconic brands like Tamagotchi®, Anime Heroes®, Gunpla and Tamashii Nations®, BNTCA offers unique toys, model kits, and premium collectibles that bring beloved franchises to life. Headquartered in Irvine, California, BNTCA inspires creativity and passion, celebrating fandom and storytelling for collectors of all ages. For more information, visit bandai.com.
About Angel City Football Club
Angel City Football Club (ACFC) of Los Angeles, in the National Women's Soccer League, is entering its fourth season in 2025 at BMO Stadium in downtown Los Angeles. ACFC is led by controlling owners Willow Bay and Bob Iger and was co-founded by tech entrepreneur Julie Uhrman, actor and activist Natalie Portman, and venture capitalist Kara Nortman. The club has been named the world's most valuable women's sports team, with a valuation of $250 million. Mark Parsons serves as the team's Sporting Director.
2025 Season Tickets are on sale and start at $308 per ticket. They come with year-round benefits, including tickets to all regular season home games plus an international friendly. For more information, please contact tickets@angelcity.com or visit angelcity.com/tickets/seasontickets.
ACFC has launched the "Seats of Strength" initiative, a year-long ticketing program designed to provide first responders and those impacted by recent fires across Los Angeles with the opportunity to attend ACFC games free of charge. To make a donation or purchase tickets, please click HERE
Learn more about ACFC at www.angelcity.com and follow the team on social media @weareangelcity.
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SOURCE Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America, Inc.