• Loading stock data...
Sunday, October 13, 2024
The Best Employers in Sports survey is now open! Take the survey

Seattle Sounders Stake Sale Values Team at $680M

  • The Seattle Sounders sold a stake of 3% to 5% to an unnamed buyer.
  • The team was valued at $680 million – equivalent to a mid-level NHL team.
Seattle-Sounders
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

There are more and more signs that soccer is on the rise in the U.S., and the latest evidence comes from a stake sale for the Seattle Sounders.

The MLS team was reportedly valued at $680 million in a sale of 3% to 5% of the team to an unknown buyer, according to Forbes. 

  • The stake was likely sold at a discount because it brings no controlling interest in the club. A controlling stake sale may have brought a higher valuation. 
  • The buyer joins notable names such as Seattle Mariners legend Ken Griffey Jr., longtime Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and his wife, the singer Ciara, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, the rapper Macklemore, and comedian Drew Carey.
  • The team is majority-owned by businessman Adrian Hanauer, also a minority owner of the Seattle Kraken.

The $680 million valuation would put the Sounders at a level equivalent to a middle-of-the-pack NHL team. The Calgary Flames were valued at the same figure by Forbes last December, placing them 18th among 32 NHL teams.

Stream Team

Earlier this month, Apple showed its long-term confidence in MLS with a 10-year, $2.5 billion streaming deal beginning next year. The league is still in talks regarding its linear streaming rights.

It is widely predicted that soccer will see a surge in popularity in the U.S. when it hosts the World Cup in 2026. Seattle was selected as one of the 16 host cities in North America.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sep 15, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs fans celebrate after a touchdown by Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

‘This Is My Whole Life’: How Swifties Became NFL Superfans

The “Chiefties” have arrived. And they are “fully committed” to football.
Sep 21, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) walks through Buff Walk before the game against the Baylor Bears at Folsom Field.
opinion

The NIL Era Is a Wild West. Is Anyone Surprised?

Amateurism is dead and college athletes are professionals. How’s that working out?

‘We’re Ready for FBS’: Sacramento State Is Serious About the Jump

How the Hornets got themselves on the short list of potential call-ups.
Duante' Abercrombie News Ch.4 interview

Tennessee State’s Ambitious Plan to Launch an HBCU Hockey Program

TSU has big plans, but the university is facing an existential dilemma.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

The FOS Interview: Golden State Valkyries Coach Natalie Nakase

0:00

Featured Today

Ryan Smith Sees Salt Lake City As Next Vegas-Like Sports Town

Utah Hockey Club’s owner says all the pieces are falling into place.
October 8, 2024

How the WWE’s Farm Circuit Became a Primetime Draw

NXT produces generational talent—and it occupies a new prime-time network slot.
A DraftKings sign
October 7, 2024

A DraftKings Exec Left for Fanatics. Then the Bitter Legal Battle Began

Mike Hermalyn has been sidelined at Fanatics for nine months now.
opinion
October 6, 2024

Where Is the Dang Game? Fragmentation Has Hit Fever Pitch

A correction is coming in the increasingly confusing landscape of live sports.

Jaguars Doubling Down on London Games. Is That a Good Thing?

The Jaguars arrive in London on Friday for a 10-day stay.
Sep 27, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Utah Hockey Club forward Ben McCartney (62) directs a team mate before a face off against the Vegas Golden Knights during the second period at T-Mobile Arena
October 9, 2024

Beer Sales Set Record at Utah Hockey Club Debut Game

Beer sales beat any NBA or NHL game at the Delta Center in its history.
October 10, 2024

Twins Hit the Market: Pohlad Family Looks to End Four-Decade Ownership

The MLB club’s ownership is among the longest-tenured in the league.
Sponsored

Rivalries Reign Across Red River and the Beltway, London Calling

According to data from TickPick, renewed battles between bitter foes are spiking ticket prices.
Oct 8, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; The Utah Hockey Club is introduced to the fans before the game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Delta Center.
October 9, 2024

Nothing Obstructs Utah Hockey Club’s NHL Debut

The team pulled off a victory in its inaugural game at the Delta Center.
October 7, 2024

Utah Hockey Club Debuting to Major Buzz

It’s been a wild ride for Salt Lake City’s new NHL franchise.
October 7, 2024

Update: Hurricane Milton Forcing Teams to Scramble As Storm Nears

The Tampa Bay area is at risk of getting hit by the Category 5 storm.
October 7, 2024

Aces’ Failed Three-Peat Bid Caps Chaotic Season

Las Vegas had won back-to-back championships under head coach Becky Hammon.