the Major League Soccer (MLS) It could be the next sports league United State In allowing the sovereign wealth fund to invest in their equipment.
The league’s board members will discuss the matter at a meeting next week in Washington, MLS Commissioner Don Garber told the Allen & Co Sun Valley Conference Thursday. The commissioner said the council is following in the footsteps of other American sports leagues, such as hockey and basketball. “The NHL and NBA have both considered owning sovereign wealth funds and pension fundsGarber said in an interview with Bloomberg TV.MLS evaluates the same“.
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Sovereign wealth funds have recently increased their investments in professional sports around the world. The Saudis, through the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), own LIV Golf and Newcastle United FC. Bloomberg reported Thursday that the fund has also considered the possibility of buying another top-flight football club in Europe.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman It has made sports an essential part of its strategy to diversify the economy, improve the Kingdom’s image internationally, and boost tourism growth.
Saudi Arabia is considering making a joint offer to buy FIFA World Cup 2030, a tournament that was recently held in the neighboring country of Qatar. I’ve also appreciated Billions to expand across all sports, from golf to Formula 1 to boxing.
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The influx of capital from the Middle East is now pouring into American sports. the National Basketball Association (NBA) He recently accepted his first investment from a sovereign wealth fund.
The Qatar Investment Authority acquired a 5% stake in Monumental Sports & Entertainment, the owner of the Washington Wizards, Mystics and Capitals. The deal valued MSE at US$4.05 billion, according to Sportico.
Lionel Messi EFE
Although MLS is now considering working with sovereign wealth funds as a partner, it has also faced them as a competitor. this year, The American League has attracted world soccer star Lionel MessiWhich rejected FC Barcelona and Al Hilal Saudi Club, funded by the Public Investment Fund. Al-Hilal offered the 36-year-old a contract that would have netted him around $400m a year, according to news reports.
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Had he accepted, he would have joined other great football personalities, such as Cristiano Ronaldo And Karim Benzema, who earn hundreds of millions of dollars playing for the club in the country. “For him to say that Major League Soccer is his favorite league, not Saudi Arabia, not FC Barcelona, adds a level of excitement, credibility, and tremendous enthusiasm to our league.Garber said of Messi.
The Argentine soccer legend could earn up to $150 million in two and a half yearsAccording to Sportico.
Garber confirmed that the Messi deal includes a stake in the club and revenue-sharing agreements with it AppsYou a company. And Addwitty AG. Garber said the MLS is unlikely to sign another big deal like the one that signed Messi, but he’s open to it if the right situation arises.
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“The prospect of a situation with a player, where they have the opportunity to participate in the capital, is probably something we will never do again.Garber said.There was only one David Beckham. There is only one Lionel Messi“.
bloomberg
