I consulted my 'Written English' handbook:
So what about sports clubs? Chelsea are top of the league or Chelsea is top of the league? Oddly, the former, plural version sounds better (neither sounds good if you support a rival team), so I recommend using it. Yes, this is different from my advice on corporates. Perhaps this is because Chelsea are clearly a team - fans have pictures of them on their walls - while Microsoft is a company, a legal entity. (My 'inner nerd' has just objected that sports clubs can also be companies. So? Stick to the rule. Manchester United has been bought by Malcolm Glazer. This refers to the legal entity that owns and controls the team. Manchester United are coming to Ewood Park in January. Team: eleven chaps in red shirts.)