Black ownership in soccer continues to expand as Basketball Hall of Famer Grant Hill and his superstar singer Tamia Hill joined soccer ownership group Orlando Soccer Holdings.
The group, which includes MLS team Orlando City and NWSL team Orlando Pride, was acquired by Minnesota Vikings co-owner Mark Wilf in 2021. He also purchased Exploria Stadium the same same, all for approximately $400 million.
“From the moment we met the Wilfs, we were impressed with their vision for the club and the passion they have for giving back to the Central Florida community, something that is also of great importance to us,” said the Hills in a statement. “The future is very promising for both teams, and we are excited to support Orlando City, as well as the opportunity to be a part of the Orlando Pride and elevate women in sports.”
This is also a continuation of basketball’s connection to soccer, MLS and the NWSL. Not only is Grant Hill involved, but the Devos family, which owns the Orlando Magic, also purchased a minority stake in the teams as well.
Grant Hill, a co-owner of the Atlanta Hawks, an NBA and college basketball broadcaster, and a real estate investor, played for the Magic for six years and lives in Orlando, so the connection to the community was there.
That makes the investment even more meaningful according to Mark Wilf.
“Tamia and Grant have shown passion and support for our teams for many years, including being staunch supporters of the Orlando Pride since day one,” said Wilf in a statement. “We are looking forward to continuing to build our organization through their influence and dedication.”
Grant Hill joins other basketball players who have invested in MLS and/or NWSL soccer clubs including James Harden (Houston Dynamo and Houston Dash), Kevin Durant (Philly Union and Gotham FC) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Nashville SC).
And they all are part of a group of Black athletes across the sports landscape who have taken up ownership positions in soccer organizations. This includes tennis star Naomi Osaka (North Carolina Courage), Tennessee Titans star Derrick Henry (Nashville SC) and LeBron James (Liverpool of the English Premier League).
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