Celebrities that have teams in the MLS

The MLS soccer league is expanding on a larger scale, especially with the upcoming 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted in the United States, Mexico and Canada. As the countdown begins for the next World Cup, expectations are currently high, with the MLS taking center stage among soccer fans. Many soccer fans are starting to watch the MLS to explore the soccer stadiums, players and the vibrant atmosphere during soccer matches. Celebrities have also recognized the growing influence of soccer as a sport, which is why many have chosen to invest their money in the MLS. It’s clear that soccer is a great way to boost income and improve your brand image. 

Celebrities That Own or Invested in MLS Teams 

Celebrities, including former soccer players, comedians, actors have all invested in the MLS. Stadiums are often full, whose constant support motivates players throughout the full 90 minutes. Let’s explore which celebrities have chosen to invest their money in buying a club or a stake, each for their own personal reasons.

Tim Howard

The former Everton and Manchester United goalkeeper, Tim Howard, who is also the eight-most capped USA player with 121 appearances, is a minority investor in the Houston Dynamo and Houston Dash clubs. After retiring from soccer, Howard became actively involved in the MLS, serving as a sporting director of Memphis 901 FC from 2019 to 2024.

Matthew McConaughey

Actor Matthew McConaughey, famously known for his starring role in Interstellar, joined Austin FC as a co-owner alongside Anthony Precourt, Austin's majority shareholder. McConaughey desire is to promote the club as much as possible and promoting a sense of unity within the community. McConaughey is an active person in the club, regularly attending the club's soccer matches and taking part in events to boost the club's identity and profile.

Image Credits: Austin FC

Will Ferrell

American actor Will Ferrell, famously known for his roles in The Other Guys and Step Brothers, bought a stake in Los Angeles FC in 2016, joining a group of other investors. Since becoming a co-owner, Ferrell has celebrated significant success, with the club winning the MLS Cup in 2022, marking his first trophy as part of the ownership team.

Macklemore

One of America's successful rappers, Macklemore bought a stake of Seattle Sounders in 2019, joining other 11 other wealthy families as part of the club's ownership group. Born and raised in Seattle, Macklemore is eager to be part of the Sounders' next success and have his name written down in Seattle's sports history.

Kevin Durant

Two time NBA Champion, Kevin Durant, owns a 5 percent stake in the MLS soccer club, Philadelphia Union. He is also a part owner of the NJ/NY Gotham FC women's soccer team, as part of his ownership career in the soccer world. In recent years, Durant also bought a stake in one of the most successful clubs in France, Paris Saint Germain. His goal is to boost the Union's global popularity, using his name to help achieve that.

Patrick Mahomes

At a young age of 28, Patrick Mahomes has already established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Growing up in Kansas City, Mahomes decided to invest in his local soccer club, Sporting Kansas City. Winner of three Super Bowls, Mahomes' goal is to help bring Sporting Kansas City back to the top, even though the club is not currently performing at its best.

Derrick Henry

Selected for the All-pro team in 2020 in the NFL, Derrick Henry became part of the Nashville SC ownership in 2022, alongside actor Reece Witherspoon and technology investor Jim Toth. Growing up in Florida, Henry's purposes was to be a co-owner of a soccer club that is developing year by year. His investment in Nashville FC shows his ambitions to help the club rise to the top of MLS.

David Beckham

Without needing much introduction, global soccer icon David Beckham is the one of the key figures behind the founding of Inter Miami in 2018. As the main owner of the club, Beckham's Inter Miami was granted the 25th MLS club franchise in 2020. This opportunity came about due to a clause in his 2007 contract with LA Galaxy, which allowed him to start his own club after retiring from professional soccer. Since then, his club attracted plenty of interest from global Soccer Superstars, with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez being the latest high-profile additions to the club. 

Image Credits: Inter Miami

Magic Johnson

Regarded as one of the greatest players of all time in NBA, Magic Johnson is an investor in the MLS Soccer Club Los Angeles FC. The former five-time NBA Champion and two-time Hall of Famer, is also a highly regarded businessman, owning stakes in other franchises such as the Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Sparks.

Mia Hamm

A legend of the American Soccer and the American National Soccer team, Mia Hamm also owns a stake at Los Angeles FC, alongside other celebrities like Will Ferrell and Magic Johnson. Having won two World Cups during her professional soccer career, Hamm is now aiming to replicate that success with LAFC, using her expertise to help keep the club at the top for many years to come.

James Harden

In 2019, NBA Star James Harden joined the Houston Dynamo ownership as one of the owners of the club. Currently with the LA Clippers, Harden spent nine years with the Houston Rockets, which is a key reason for his decision to invest in the soccer team. He is passionate about seeing the city succeed in all aspects, particularly with its soccer team.

Conclusion

With these celebrities getting involved in soccer, their goal is to attract more global soccer fans to watch MLS regularly, especially with the 2026 World Cup approaching. The stadiums and atmosphere offer a unique experience for fans, which is why these celebrities are working hard to promote their clubs, get more attention, and enhance their clubs' global identities.

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