Star Athletes Like Giannis Antetokounmpo Are Investing In MLS — Are You Ready To Join Them?

Star athletes — including two-time NBA most valuable player Giannis Antetokounmpo — are investing in Major League Soccer (MLS), which continues to grow at a record pace. 

The average MLS team's valuation has increased 85% to $579 million since 2019, according to a Forbes article published in February.

Not only are athletes investing because they love soccer, but they're doing so to see a nice return on their investment. 

Do you have dreams of investing in one of the 29 franchises in the MLS league? While you may not have the funds to make that dream a reality, you're not out of luck. You can invest in soccer startups like Plei. As the largest pickup soccer platform in the United States, Plei has generated $4.5 million in revenue in 2023. 

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With international expansion set for 2024, Plei is on track to take its revenue to new heights. Anyone can invest in Plei.

In addition to Antetokounmpo and his brothers — Thanasis, Kostas and Alex — many other athletes have invested in MLS. 

In 2022, Derrick Henry of the Tennessee Titans, alongside actor Reese Witherspoon and her ex-husband Jim Toth, acquired ownership of the Nashville team.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes bought a share in Sporting Kansas City in 2021. This followed Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson, who invested in the Seattle Sounders in 2019.

A handful of big-name NBA players have also ventured into MLS investing. James Harden of the Philadelphia 76ers invested in the Houston Dynamo in 2019. Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns followed suit by buying into the Philadelphia Union in 2020.

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And that's just a small sampling. Other athletes who have invested in MLS include English former footballer David Beckham, Canadian basketball coach Steve Nash, NBA star Magic Johnson, former professional soccer player Mia Hamm, and former Major League Baseball player Nomar Garciaparra.

Antetokounmpo is best known for his star power in the NBA, but he's always been a huge soccer fan. When the opportunity arose to invest in the Nashville Soccer Club (SC) alongside NHL player Filip Forsberg, he didn't pass up the opportunity.

"Soccer is a global sport, and our newest owners once again reinforce our club's commitment to being a global team," Nashville SC principal owner John Ingram said in a statement shared with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "Filip and Giannis are not just amazing athletes — they are ambassadors for their respective sports, role models for millions and advocates in their hometowns and worldwide. We share a common belief that our teams not only play to the highest standards but also lift up their communities and help those who need it most."

The soccer market in the United States continues to grow, which has led countless athletes to invest in MLS. The future is bright for the sport and the people investing in it.

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