Major League Soccer (MLS) is set to introduce a new commercial revenue opportunity by opening up CBD (cannabidiol) as an approved sponsorship category, according to Sports Business Journal, reports, www.sportspromedia.com/.

CBD partnerships are not approved by any US major sports property, including MLS, but SBJ reports that it is 'likely' that the North American soccer league's board of governors will approve a change before the end of the 2020 season.

Whether CBD branding would be permitted on kits or prominently in stadia reportedly remains up in the air, as is whether companies which sell THC products - a banned substance - would be able to promote CBD lines via MLS franchises.

MLS has opened up more options both prior to and after the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. Last year, franchises were permitted to market sponsorships in the betting and spirits categories, with the 2020 season also seeing international partnerships opened up.