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Sports Tycoons: The Power and Influence of the Richest Owners in MLS

By Arthur Fernandes

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - SEPTEMBER 27: Inter Miami CF owners David Beckham and Jorge Has pose for a photo before U.S. Open Cup Final game between Houston Dynamo FC and Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on September 27, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Jason Allen/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - SEPTEMBER 27: Inter Miami CF owners David Beckham and Jorge Has pose for a photo before U.S. Open Cup Final game between Houston Dynamo FC and Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on September 27, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Jason Allen/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /
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In the American sports landscape, team owners play a pivotal role. They are the ones who shape the destiny of franchises, bring in world-class talent, and define the competitive spirit that captivates crowds of fans nationwide. Recently, the Major League Soccer (MLS) has been the stage for a select group of magnates whose wealth and influence extend far beyond the soccer pitch.

Mark Mateschitz, an Austrian whose net worth is estimated at $34.7 billion, is the owner of the New York Red Bulls in the MLS. He also heads Red Bull Racing in Formula 1. The connection between energy and sports is evident here, with the Red Bull brand sponsoring top-tier sports teams. Mateschitz is an example of how a business vision can transcend borders and spread across different sports disciplines.

On the other end of the spectrum is David Tepper, an American whose financial empire at Appaloosa Management propelled him to a fortune of $18.5 billion. Tepper not only acquired the Carolina Panthers of the NFL for $2.3 billion but also invested in MLS expansion with the founding of the Charlotte FC. His influence spans both American football and traditional soccer, demonstrating his willingness to diversify his sports portfolio.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 27: a general view of the stadium during the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final between Inter Miami and the Houston Dynamo at DRV PNK Stadium on September 27, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 27: a general view of the stadium during the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final between Inter Miami and the Houston Dynamo at DRV PNK Stadium on September 27, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/USSF/Getty Images for USSF) /

Philip Anschutz, with a net worth of $10.9 billion, is a ubiquitous figure in the world of sports and entertainment. His dominion encompasses arenas, concert halls, and teams like the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings and MLS’s Los Angeles Galaxy. His Crypto.com Arena is a landmark not just for the city of Los Angeles but for all sports and music enthusiasts. Anschutz is a testament to how a visionary entrepreneur can integrate different forms of entertainment under one roof.

Last but certainly not least, we have Robert Kraft, whose $10.6 billion fortune stems from manufacturing and ownership of the New England Patriots in the NFL. Kraft not only leads one of the most successful teams in NFL history but also ventured into the MLS with the New England Revolution. Furthermore, his foray into the world of esports with a team in the Overwatch League demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to the future of sports.

These owners are not just business titans but also sports visionaries. They not only influence the success of their teams but also shape the sports landscape on a global scale. Their fortunes and passions translate into investments that go far beyond the soccer fields, courts, and race circuits.

The Major League Soccer is living proof of how exceptional individuals can combine their wealth with an unwavering passion for sports to create a lasting legacy. As these magnates continue to make their mark in the world of sports, it is exciting to contemplate what the future holds for the MLS and the sports landscape as a whole. Their success stories are inspiring and a testament to the transformative power of sports when it meets visionary business acumen and substantial resources.

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