• Loading stock data...
Thursday, October 9, 2025

Celebs Flock to MLS

  • Texas native Matthew McConaughey recently became a co-owner of Austin FC.
  • MLS offers a viable entry point for celebrities interested in team ownership.
John Gutierrez-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks

Whether or not you can name many Major League Soccer players, you’ve almost certainly heard of some team owners. 

Texas native Matthew McConaughey recently became a co-owner of Austin FC, making him the latest celebrity to own an MLS team.

As an expanding league with team values in the hundreds of millions of dollars — as opposed to the billions for most MLB, NBA, and NFL teams — MLS offers a viable entry point for celebrities and athletes interested in owning sports teams. 

  • Will Ferrell, Magic Johnson, Mia Hamm, and Nomar Garciaparra are part of LAFC’s ownership group.
  • David Beckham co-owns Inter Miami.
  • Seattle Sounders owners include Drew Carey, Mariners legend Ken Griffey Jr., Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, and his wife, singer Ciara. 
  • Brooklyn Nets Kevin Durant, James Harden, and coach Steve Nash own stakes in the Philadelphia Union, Houston Dynamo, and Vancouver Whitecaps, respectively. 

MLS isn’t the only American soccer league to attract big names. NWSL owners include Naomi Osaka, Serena Williams, Natalie Portman, Eva Longoria, Jessica Chastain, and, again, Hamm.

While some owners are largely passive investors, McConaughey is lending his gravitas to Austin FC. He’s been named the club’s “Minister of Culture.”

“On any given night when you’re in that stadium, it should feel, smell, and taste like the best of Austin,” he said.

Austin FC lost its inaugural game against LAFC on Saturday, but McConaughey still got some good news: More Texans say they would vote for the actor, who’s teased a governor run in the state, than the incumbent Gov. Greg Abbott.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jul 19, 2019; South Bend, IN, USA; Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk (4) passes the ball in the second half of a preseason preparation soccer match against the Borussia Dortmund at Notre Dame.

Liverpool’s $598M Gamble Looks Pretty Average on the Pitch—So Far

Liverpool struggles after historic offseason spending and lofty expectations.
Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”

Featured Today

Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
FARMINGDALE, NY - SEPTEMBER 23: Rory McIlroy of Team Europe hits out of the rough on the first hole during the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage State Park on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 in Farmingdale, New York.
September 25, 2025

Ryder Cup in New York: Record-Setting Hopes and Fan Concerns

Organizers anticipate record attendance and revenue, but worry remains about fan behavior.
Ballers in Philadelphia
exclusive

Backer of SlamBall, Ballers Armed With $150M for New Fund

The fund will offer sports and entertainment companies deals that don’t involve equity.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), one of several premier sponsors for the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament, as seen on Stadium 2 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, Calif., on March 14, 2024.
September 30, 2025

The Australian Soccer Player Running Saudi PIF’s SURJ Sports

SURJ Sports CEO Danny Townsend says there is “genuine commitment” to social change.
Blake Bortles appears set to exit Jacksonville with a career 24-49 record.
October 1, 2025

Private Equity’s Sports Push Has Entered Overdrive

Athletes like Blake Bortles and Rob Gronkowski are diving into sports investing.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
September 30, 2025

Jozy Altidore: Becoming an NFL Owner Is Like Going Back to School

Altidore owns stakes in the Bills and the NWSL’s Bay FC.
Sep 21, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Kyle Williams (18) completes a pass during the third quarter at Gillette Stadium.
September 25, 2025

Patriots Become Fourth NFL Team to Add Private-Equity Investor

The minority stake sales value the team at more than $9 billion.
Napoli Basketball
September 25, 2025

Napoli Basketball, Campobasso Owner Charts Conglomerate Plan

Matt Rizzetta’s new corporate entity will house multiple pro teams and real estate assets.
Shaedon Sharpe
September 24, 2025

RAJ Sports Sues Over Sale of Blazers Minority Stake

The Kings minority owners claim the Cherng Family Trust breached an agreement.