• Loading stock data...
Friday, December 13, 2024

Seattle Sounders Capture MLS’ 1st CONCACAF Champions League Title

  • The club earned a $500,000 bonus amid plans for a $1 billion development project.
  • The Sounders are MLS’ fourth-most-valuable club at $705 million.
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

The Seattle Sounders made history Wednesday as the first MLS club to win the CONCACAF Champions League after a 5-2 aggregate victory over Pumas UNAM in the final.

They’re the first MLS club to take home the federation’s top prize since 2000, when the LA Galaxy won its predecessor tournament, the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

By CONCACAF’s current pay structure, the Sounders earned a $500,000 bonus for the title, while UNAM will receive $300,000.

It’s a crowning achievement for one of MLS’ most successful clubs.

Since starting in 2009, the Sounders have won two MLS Cups (2016, ‘19), the 2014 Supporters’ Shield, and four U.S. Open Cups (‘09, ‘10, ‘11, ‘14) — tied for the most of any active team.

The club is leveling up off the field, as well: The Sounders announced a $1 billion construction project for a new training facility and surrounding development.

Sportico ranks the Sounders the fourth-most-valuable MLS club at $705 million.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Nov 3, 2024; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; New York Red Bulls midfielder Lewis Morgan (9) heads a ball during the first half against the Columbus Crew in a 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One match at Red Bull Arena.

MLS Team to Play in ‘Sports Illustrated Stadium’ in $100M Naming Deal

It’s a partnership with a sister ticketing platform company, not the magazine.
FIFA

Saudis Awarded 2034 World Cup in Uncontested Vote

Saudi Arabia was the only option after Australia decided not to bid.
Nov 15, 2024; Arlington, Texas, UNITED STATES; Mike Tyson (black gloves) fights Jake Paul (silver gloves) at AT&T Stadium.

Netflix Spectacle Made Tyson, Paul Top Trending U.S. Athletes of 2024: Google

The Yankees and Dodgers were among the top trending sports team searches in 2024.
LA Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljic (9) celebrates with midfielder Riqui Puig (10) after scoring a goal against Seattle Sounders FC in the second half in the 2024 MLS Cup Western Conference Final match at Dignity Health Sports Park

With or Without Messi, Major League Soccer Is Barreling Into the Future

After the Cup final, the league looks to accelerate its growth.

Featured Today

Nov 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Detailed view of a Wilson NBA basketball held by a referee during the second half between the Utah Jazz against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena

‘Obvious Weak Point’: Refs Remain an NBA Gambling Concern

A season after Jontay Porter, the biggest risk may not be players.
Nov 2, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines cheerleader runs with a flag before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Michigan Stadium.
opinion
December 7, 2024

College Football’s Billionaire Backer Era Begins

Is this the new normal in CFB recruiting?
Dec 18, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; FIFA president Gianni Infantino claps during the awards ceremony after the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium.
December 2, 2024

FIFA Wants More Matches. Resistance Is Growing Inside the Global Soccer World

Resentment and frustration over expanded schedules is nearing a breaking point.
November 30, 2024

U.S. Investors Are Gunning for England’s Small Soccer Clubs

Is another Hollywood-like success story possible among the U.K.’s smallest clubs?

Mets: Not Concerned About Lower-Revenue Clubs After Soto Signing

The club dismisses concerns about fundamentally resetting the sport’s salary scale.
Tilman Fertitta
December 11, 2024

Rockets Owner Tilman Fertitta in Line for Trump Appointment, Wants to Buy..

Fertitta had given hundreds of thousands of dollars to Trump.
Nov 17, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Former quarterback and current NFL announcer Tom Brady looks on before the game between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field.
December 12, 2024

Tom Brady to Have ‘Huge’ Impact on Raiders, Says Mark Davis

“His role is undefined right now,” Davis said of Brady.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
December 10, 2024

More to A’s Offseason Spending Plans Than Meets the Eye

Revenue-sharing guidelines are helping fuel the increased spending.
Joe Tsai
December 10, 2024

NFL Owners Set to Vote on Dolphins, Bills Stakes for Tsai, Carter,..

The deals are likely to be approved at the owners meetings in Dallas.
December 9, 2024

As Wizards Hit Historic Low, Leonsis Calls Season ‘Very Productive’

They’re on pace for one of the worst records in NBA history.
December 9, 2024

Have Mets Upended New York’s Baseball Hierarchy With Soto Deal?

The National League team sheds its image as an often-lovable underdog.