Donovan McNabb and the State of Football
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.
