Thursday, August 6, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

Star-Studded Additions to Sounders’ Ownership Group

*This piece first appeared in the Front Office Sports Newsletter. Subscribe today and get the news before anyone else. 

Watch out James Harden and Will Ferrell: the MLS celebrity ownership pick-up game just got even bigger.

The MLS club announced yesterday that eleven families with connections to the Seattle area would be joining its ownership group. The new investors will take over part of a stake formerly held by Joe Roth, the Hollywood producer who helped the city land an MLS expansion spot in 2007.

Gang Rave Green

The new group, led by former Microsoft executive Terry Myerson and his wife Katie, is a proverbial who’s who of Seattle. It ranges from Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella to Seahawks Quarterback Russell Wilson and his Grammy Award-winning wife Ciara to Seattle-born hip hop star Macklemore.

Adrian Hanauer, the club’s current majority owner holding more than 35%, increased his stake in the team as well. Actor Drew Carey, Jody Allen, Paul Barry and Lenore Hanauer make up the rest of the Sounders ownership group.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

National Women’s Soccer League commissioner Jessica Berman announces Columbus as the league's 18th club at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field on April 21, 2026. The club, set to begin play in 2028, will be owned by Haslam Sports Group (HSG), Nationwide and Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards.

NWSL Makes Super Bowl Week Part of Its 2027 Kickoff

The NWSL wants to be “woven into” ESPN’s first Super Bowl.
New MLS commissioner Larry Berg speaks with Front Office Sports.

Incoming MLS Commissioner Sees ‘Uncapped Upside’ in Media Rights

NYCFC’s CEO called broadcast revenue the league’s biggest weakness.

6 Takeaways From Larry Berg’s Introduction As MLS Commissioner

Berg told FOS that media revenue is “uncapped upside.”
Sep 13, 2024; New York, New York, USA; United States chief executive officer and secretary general JT Batson talks to the media during a press conference introducing Mauricio Pochettino (not pictured) as the new head coach for the United States men's national team at Warner Bros. Discovery Hudson Center. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Boland-Imagn Images

U.S. Soccer CEO Dodges Questions on Infantino Support

JT Batson deferred broader questions about Infantino to a September board meeting.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

8/6/26 – LIV’s Funding Promise, Disney Sells Out Super Bowl, Inside Tom Brady’s CardVault

0:00

Featured Today

Joey Spallina of the Maryland Whipsnakes

How Eye Black Became ‘War Paint’ on the Field

“You’re going into battle, doing something you only do on game days.”
August 6, 2026

Tom Brady Explains His Aggressive Push Into Trading Cards

Brady talked to FOS about his eponymous card company.
FILE PHOTO: Cricket - Indian Premier League - IPL - Mumbai Indians v Chennai Super Kings - Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India - April 23, 2026 Mumbai Indians' Suryakumar Yadav in action
August 5, 2026

India Is Stealing Cricket’s Throne From England and Australia

India’s insatiable appetite for cricket has shifted the traditional locus of power.
WPBL
July 30, 2026

Who’s Playing Women’s Professional Baseball?

Sixty players from 11 countries are descending on Illinois for six weeks.
Tom's Watch Bar
July 17, 2026

Sports Bars Are Cashing In From Summer of Soccer

The World Cup has brought a windfall to America’s biggest sports bars.
Dec 28, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum (3) dribbles the ball past Philadelphia 76ers forward JJ Redick (17) and guard Ben Simmons (25) during the fourth quarter at the Moda Center. The Blazers won 114-110. Mandatory Credit:

Why Pro Athletes Are Saying Their Big Contracts Weren’t So Big

“I think people should listen, because they’re telling the truth,” Chris Bosh told FOS.
Aug 31, 2023; Flushing, NY, USA; John Isner of the United States is interviewed on court after his second round match against Michael Mmoh of the United States on day four of the 2023 U.S. Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
July 31, 2026

Former Tennis Pro on Influencers at Big Events: ‘Done a Lot for the Sport’

John Isner says there’s upside to content creators’ presence at Grand Slams.
Jul 12, 2026; London, United Kingdom; Jannik Sinner (ITA) serves against Alexander Zverev (GER) (not pictured) in the gentlemen's singles final of The Championships Wimbledon 2026 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
August 3, 2026

Star Withdrawals Test the Value of Tennis’s Masters Events

The Canadian Open is missing tennis’s biggest stars once again.
Sponsored

Saints Great Turns to Ownership

Marques Colston discusses his Champions Fund launch and finding success after football.
July 30, 2026

LeBron Could Make Sixers’ Expiring Jersey Patch a Premium Asset

Philly’s deal with Crypto.com expires in 2027. 
Marques Colston
July 30, 2026

Marques Colston: Why Everyone Is Buying Into Soccer Clubs

Colston’s The Champion Fund invested in Ipswich Town.
Jan 7, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (71) celebrates his goal scored against the Los Angeles Kings during the third period at Crypto.com Arena
July 29, 2026

Macklin Celebrini Contract Extension Sets New NHL Salary Mark

The Sharks locked up their young phenom at a record AAV.
July 28, 2026

John Isner Backs Tennis Players’ Push for More Pay

Stars conducted a 15-minute media boycott at the French Open.