• Loading stock data...
Thursday, August 7, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

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

Italian soccer players

Serie A Players Agree to Automatic 25% Pay Cuts If Relegated

The new rule applies to all contracts signed after Sept. 2.

The Next MLS Superstar: Son Heung-Min Joins LAFC

An official announcement is expected as early as Wednesday.
exclusive

MLS Commissioner On Apple TV Deal: Critics ‘Don’t Get It Yet’

“We’re just early,” Garber told FOS when pressed about the deal.

Inked Under Anesthesia: Athletes Getting $50,000 Tattoos

High-end studios, elite artist teams, and hours under anesthesia.

Featured Today

Coco Gauff at New York Liberty

How the New York Liberty Became the Hottest Ticket in Town

Once banished to the burbs, the Libs are now Brooklyn’s marquee attraction.
Las Vegas sign
July 29, 2025

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
2000, Jupiter, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu in action on the mound against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium during Spring Training
July 28, 2025

Dead Sports Franchises Are Alive and Well on Twitter

The Expos, Sonics, and Whalers have active social media accounts.
Limited Hype
July 27, 2025

Sneaker Reselling Was Once Easy Money. Success Is Now Complicated

Vendors need to evolve what they’re selling and how they do it.

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
April 25, 2025

The Former NBA Agent Who Became a Pickleball Deputy Commissioner

Chris Patrick went from representing Jimmy Butler to pickleball deputy commissioner.
Apr 10, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; (L-R) Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis, Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8), Ovechkin's wife Nastya, and sons Sergei and Ilya watch a video during a ceremony honoring Ovechkin's becoming the NHL all-time goals leader prior to the Capitals' game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Capital One Arena.
June 12, 2025

Ted Leonsis Says His $7B Sports Empire Beats the NFL Model

Why synergy is the future of sports ownership.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
July 9, 2009; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons president Joe Dumars during the press conference to introduce their new head coach John Kuester at their practice facility.
April 14, 2025

Joe Dumars Leaving NBA League Office to Run Pelicans

Joe Dumars was the architect of the 2004 champion Pistons.
March 13, 2025

Junior Bridgeman Was the Prototype for Business Success After Sports

He started with Wendy’s franchises, later expanding into bottling, magazines, and more.
Feb 12, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, US; A$AP Rocky on the sideline after halftime during Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium.
February 27, 2025

A$AP Rocky Could Be Latest Celebrity Owner in English Soccer

Following his acquittal, the rapper is closer to owning Tranmere Rovers.
Oct 23, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat president Pat Riley addresses the crowd during the Pat Riley Court dedication ceremony at halftime at Kaseya Center.
February 14, 2025

Here’s Where Pat Riley’s Three-Peat Trademark Money Goes

Riley has the phrase trademarked despite having no three-peat of his own.