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Jeff Carlisle
The Seattle Sounders FC announced on Thursday their intent to pursue a “strategic capital raise,” aimed at attracting substantial outside investment, which may be utilized for the construction of a soccer-specific stadium.
In their announcement, the Sounders revealed they have engaged Moelis & Co. to assist in their search for additional capital.
As reported by Sportico, this investment initiative will focus exclusively on the Sounders, excluding the NWSL team, the Seattle Reign, which they purchased last year for an estimated $58 million.
The Sounders are seeking a deeper level of investment than the minority stakes held by figures like Russell Wilson and Ken Griffey, Jr.; they are looking for a substantial strategic partner to provide significant financial input.
This marks the first time since 2009 that the Sounders have actively sought external investment. According to Sportico, the club’s valuation stands at $825 million.
The Sounders have consistently ranked among the top clubs in the league regarding attendance and on-field performance. This year, they finished second in attendance behind Atlanta United, winning two MLS Cups (2016 and 2019) and the Concacaf Champions Cup in 2022.
The organization aims to leverage the investment to further develop the Longacres site in Renton, Washington, which currently serves as their headquarters and training facility.
The team’s lease at Lumen Field, their present home, is set to expire in 2032. The Sounders have considered the possibility of establishing a stadium at Longacres and will explore this option further should the investment materialize.
“I take immense pride in what Sounders FC stands for in our community and the broader North American soccer landscape,” stated Seattle majority owner Adrian Hanauer.
“We have laid a solid foundation of excellence over the past 51 years, and we believe this is the ideal moment to seek additional partners who can help us realize our vision for the next 50 years.”
Hanauer has been the Sounders’ majority owner since 2015, when he took over Joe Roth’s founding investor stake. The goal is for new investors to acquire a minority stake, but an eventual majority ownership is also a possibility.
If new investors come on board, the Sounders will join other MLS teams that have recently changed ownership or sought additional funding in anticipation of the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which is poised to drive substantial growth for MLS and its franchises.
Real Salt Lake was sold to the Miller Family last April for around $600 million. The Vancouver Whitecaps and San Jose Earthquakes are both currently available for sale, while Austin FC and the Columbus Crew have received further investments, with the Crew deal involving a 10% equity sale to current minority owner Peter Edwards, Jr.