American Athletes Score Big with Colombian Soccer Team Acquisition
The world of sports investment is witnessing a captivating trend: American athletes and celebrities are increasingly venturing beyond their home turf to acquire ownership stakes in international soccer clubs. This phenomenon, once confined to established leagues like the English Premier League, is now making inroads into emerging markets, as evidenced by the recent acquisition of Colombian club La equidad.
Leading this charge is a powerhouse consortium comprised of baseball star Justin Verlander and his wife, model Kate Upton, alongside Hollywood heavyweights Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney, and Eva Longoria. This group has secured a controlling stake, exceeding 99%, in La Equidad, a Bogotá-based team valued at over $30 million. This move marks a significant milestone, not only for the club but also for the broader landscape of Colombian soccer.
While this represents uncharted territory for Verlander, his fellow investors, Reynolds and McElhenney, are no strangers to the world of international football ownership. in 2021, they made headlines by acquiring Wrexham AFC, a club competing in the English Football League. Adding to their portfolio, they also hold a stake in Mexico’s Nexaca, demonstrating a clear commitment to diversifying their investments across different footballing landscapes.
Verlander joins a growing roster of baseball players who are leveraging their success to become stakeholders in professional soccer teams. Former MLB stars like Nomar Garciaparra, who owns a stake in LAFC, and Brandon McCarthy, the sporting director of Phoenix Rising FC in the USL, exemplify this trend.This burgeoning trend of multi-club ownership raises intriguing questions about its long-term impact on the sport. Will these high-profile investors bring much-needed resources and expertise to clubs in less established leagues? Or will their involvement primarily serve as a platform for personal branding and financial gain?
Only time will tell how this dynamic unfolds, but one thing is certain: the globalization of sports ownership is creating exciting new possibilities and challenges for the beautiful game. As American athletes continue to explore opportunities beyond their traditional domains, the world of football is poised for a fascinating evolution.
From Diamond too Pitch: An Interview with Mia Hamm on American Athletes Investing in Global Soccer
The world of sports ownership is in flux, with a new wave of investors breaking down conventional barriers. Leading the charge are American athletes,celebrities,and entrepreneurs,driven by a potent blend of passion for the game and a shrewd eye for potential. We sat down with legendary soccer icon Mia Hamm to discuss this intriguing trend and its potential impact on the beautiful game.
Moderator: Mia, thanks for joining us. You’ve witnessed firsthand the evolution of soccer both in the United States and globally. What are your thoughts on the influx of American athletes, like Justin Verlander, investing in international clubs like La Equidad in Colombia?
Mia Hamm: It’s definitely an exciting time for football. Seeing athletes from other sports recognizing the values and potential of soccer clubs is a huge win for the sport. I believe it shows the global appeal of the game and how it transcend traditional boundaries.For Verlander and his partners to make such a meaningful investment in La Equidad signifies their commitment to growing the sport in new markets.
Moderator: Some argue that this wave of celebrity ownership could be seen as more about personal branding than genuine commitment to the sport. What’s your viewpoint on that?
Mia Hamm: While there’s always a chance some investments are driven by promotional opportunities, I think it’s significant to look at the bigger picture. Many of these athletes and celebrities are passionate about the game. Thay bring resources, connections, and a global platform that can elevate these clubs beyond their local markets. Look at what Ryan reynolds and Rob McElhenney accomplished with Wrexham AFC. They’ve injected new life into the club and shone a light on the lower leagues in England.
Moderator: Do you think this trend will primarily benefit clubs in emerging markets like Colombia,or will we see more American athletes investing in established leagues like the English Premier League?
Mia Hamm: I think we’ll see investments across the board.
Established leagues will always be attractive to investors, but there’s enormous potential in developing markets. Clubs like la Equidad have a dedicated fanbase and a passion for the game that is infectious. American sports stars recognize this and see an prospect to contribute to the growth of the sport in regions like South America.
Moderator: What are the potential challenges of this trend? Could multi-club ownership lead to wealth disparities within leagues?
Mia Hamm: It’s a valid concern. We need to ensure that these investments benefit the entire ecosystem of football, not just a select few clubs. Transparent governance, equitable distribution of resources, and a focus on grassroots progress are crucial for sustaining the long-term health of the sport.
Moderator: Mia, what advice would you give to young athletes considering ventures beyond their chosen sport?
Mia Hamm: Be strategic, be passionate, and do your homework.Sport is a powerful tool for building community and creating positive change. If you can combine your athletic success with a genuine desire to contribute to the world of sport, the possibilities are limitless.
What are your thoughts on American athletes investing in international soccer clubs? Do you see potential benefits, challenges, or both? Join the conversation in the comments below!
