-
Jeff Carlisle
Multiple Authors
Carlos Vela is among three new investors acquiring a minority stake in LAFC, as confirmed by a league source to ESPN. Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai is among those selling his interest in the club.
The news was first reported by Sportico, revealing that Vela, along with two other limited partners, acquired a 6% stake in LAFC, while Fanatics CEO Mike Mahan also divested his interest in the team.
LAFC boasts a distinguished list of limited partners, including LA Lakers icon Magic Johnson, actor Will Ferrell, and former U.S. star Mia Hamm Garciaparra, alongside her husband, former MLB player Nomar Garciaparra.
Now 37, Vela retired last May as one of the club’s most cherished players. He was part of the 2022 team that clinched the MLS Cup and earned the league’s MVP award in 2019, scoring a record-setting 34 regular-season goals that year. In total, Vela netted 93 goals in 187 appearances for LAFC across all competitions.
Vela’s investment in LAFC reflects a wider trend of ownership changes within MLS. Peter Mallouk recently secured a controlling interest in Sporting Kansas City at a valuation of $700 million, while the Miller Family became majority owners of Real Salt Lake last April, valued at $580 million, in a deal that also included the NWSL’s Utah Royals.
In other ownership developments, Dr. Pete Edwards increased his stake in the Columbus Crew, while Austin FC has welcomed new investors. Meanwhile, Seattle Sounders FC is working to raise more than $200 million for the development of their Longacres site, which will house their training facility.