Seattle Sounders Stake Sale Values Team at $680M

There are more and more signs that soccer is on the rise in the U.S., and the latest evidence comes from a stake sale for the Seattle Sounders.

The MLS team was reportedly valued at $680 million in a sale of 3% to 5% of the team to an unknown buyer, according to Forbes. 

• The stake was likely sold at a discount because it brings no controlling interest in the club. A controlling stake sale may have brought a higher valuation. 
• The buyer joins notable names such as Seattle Mariners legend Ken Griffey Jr., longtime Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and his wife, the singer Ciara, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, the rapper Macklemore, and comedian Drew Carey.
• The team is majority-owned by businessman Adrian Hanauer, also a minority owner of the Seattle Kraken.

The $680 million valuation would put the Sounders at a level equivalent to a middle-of-the-pack NHL team. The Calgary Flames were valued at the same figure by Forbes last December, placing them 18th among 32 NHL teams.

Stream Team

Earlier this month, Apple showed its long-term confidence in MLS with a 10-year, $2.5 billion streaming deal beginning next year. The league is still in talks regarding its linear streaming rights.

It is widely predicted that soccer will see a surge in popularity in the U.S. when it hosts the World Cup in 2026. Seattle was selected as one of the 16 host cities in North America.