A twice weekly roundup of Seattle Sounders and OL Reign news from Sounder at Heart, By submitting your email, you agree to our, A Seattle Sounders and Seattle Reign Blog, New ownership group opens new chapter for Adrian Hanauer, Sounders. A source said that an estimated team valuation of about $350 million was in the ballpark. Its unclear if Hanauer is the outright majority owner (i.e., 50%+1) at this point, and given these changes, he indicated there will be some organizational initiatives to provide for input from the new ownership group. [84] The higher attendances were helped by the opening of additional sections in the Hawks' Nest,[85] as well as the opening of the upper deck of CenturyLink Field for select regular matches. [88] Marco Pappa, an experienced MLS player and Guatemalan international, was added to the team. Motagua in Honduras but defeated them 50 in the second leg at home. [307][308] For the 2010 and 2011 seasons, they were replaced by former BBC cricket and general sport commentator Arlo White, who called English-language broadcasts without a partner. Braudilio Rodrigues joins Defiance after putting up rather ridiculous numbers in NCAA DII. She was one of the four women medics during the occupation of Wounded Knee, which started on Feb. 27, 1973 and . [182][183] A throwback kit was introduced as a secondary jersey in 2017 and features the NASL Sounders logo and a design inspired by white jerseys used by the pre-MLS incarnations of the team. [137] Despite the loss of these two players, in addition to the suspension of Romn Torres for ten matches for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance in August,[138] the Sounders finished 2nd in the Western Conference and 4th in the overall league table. Tod Leiweke is the CEO of the Seattle Kraken,. [74], The Sounders began the MLS season with a run of five matches without a win, the worst start in the team's history, due to injuries to key players. Its also true that at least publicly, Roth was the guy making fan-friendly pronouncements like well never get outbid for a U.S. Open Cup final again. While Hanauers statements are often shades of gray, Roths were usually black or white. Braudilio Rodrigues joins Defiance after putting up rather ridiculous numbers in NCAA DII. But Hanauer is also quick to point out that there are a lot more positives about CenturyLink Field than there are negatives, noting the location, access and amenities (even if Sounders fans dont get to enjoy all of them). [211] The team's original business plan expected only 12,000 tickets per game. [113], At the end of the regular season, Jordan Morris was named the MLS Rookie of the Year after scoring the most goals of any American rookie in MLS (12),[114] and Nicols Lodeiro was named MLS Newcomer of the Year for his 4 goals and 8 assists in 13 appearances. On October 15, 2011, the club hosted the third-largest crowd ever for a single MLS match, as 64,140 people attended the final regular season home match against the San Jose Earthquakes, billed as a sendoff for goalkeeper Kasey Keller. [27] Seattle was the first MLS expansion team to win its first three matches, and they did so with a shutout in each. [180], The Sounders have usually played in a rave green primary jersey with varying colors and designs for their secondary and third kits. The trophies along the way, the fact that this team has has the best record, the most consistent winning record of any team over the ten years, and ultimately winning that MLS Cup in 2016 was something that Ill never forget, Hanauer said. The new center is scheduled to open in 2024 at the former Longacres horse racetrack and office park in Renton and will feature 300,000 square feet (28,000m2) of office space, four training fields, and a public clubhouse. [42] The final was played in front of a U.S. Open Cup record crowd of 31,311,[43] and the victory ensured Seattle's return to the Champions League in 2011. [250], The ownership group of the club is composed of three owners and an ownership group composed of 14 families. The total ownership stake of the club's 12 owners came out to $58.6 million, according to an SEC filing, though it's unclear what percentage each of the owners holds. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. US Soccers Professional League Standards require that one person or entity own at least 35% of a team. [304], On radio, Sounders matches are called in English on 950 KJR AM by Matt Johnson with analysis from Wade Webber, Danny Jackson, and Pete Fewing. According to Robin Waite, a member of the Sounders' ownership group, no decision has been made. [166], The Sounders entered the U.S. Open Cup in the Round of 32 and drew 22 with the San Jose Earthquakes. The venue also hosted the 2010 and 2011 tournament finals for the U.S. Open Cup. [13] However, when Seattle was passed over again in 2006, Hanauer announced that he would not be able to secure an expansion team without the help of more investors willing to cover the increasing MLS franchise fees which had grown beyond $10million. With an increase in the size of the ownership group, concerns were raised about the decision-making process among a group that large (nervous laughter permeated the room when Howard Schultzs tenure with the Seattle Supersonics was referenced). [100][101] In November 2015, Adrian Hanauer was made majority owner of the club, succeeding Joe Roth. [171][172] Prior to his appointment, Waibel was serving as the club's technical director, having replaced former MLS player and Everett native Chris Henderson in January 2021; Henderson had served in the role from January 24, 2009, until he left the club to join Inter Miami CF. But how exactly did so many people come. Sounders representatives have said they prefer the more intimate atmosphere for smaller cup matches. MLS has 24 participating teams spread across the US and. This replaced a previous syndication deal with Root Sports Northwest. Are Macklemore and Russell Wilson the new Sounders owners? The club was established on November 13, 2007, and began play in 2009 as an MLS expansion team. I am the majority owner and retain control, Hanauer said. I suspect that this figure came from Googling (person x)s net worth and adding it all together. Turn on push notifications and don't miss anything! When asked about a report last week that Russell Wilson tried to have him and general manager John Schneider fired before the Seattle Seahawks traded the veteran quarterback to the Denver Broncos last March, Carroll maintained support for his former player. [190][191] The second extension came amid rumors that Emirates was interested in a sponsorship as part of their marketing campaign in Seattle. On September 2, 2009, the Sounders became the second MLS expansion team in league history (Chicago was the first) to win the U.S. Open Cup tournament in its first season. [217] The record was surpassed during the following year's home match against the Portland Timbers in August with 67,385 in attendance. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016 with the third-highest vote total in history at 99.3 percent. Explore daily deals and everyday value on top brands and on-trend styles. [216] The following season had three full-capacity matches, including a fixture against the Portland Timbers in October with 66,452 spectators, the second-largest stand-alone attendance in MLS history. [48] On April 22, 2011, in a match against the Colorado Rapids, Seattle's star midfielder Steve Zakuani suffered a broken leg in a challenge by the Rapids' Brian Mullan, which ended his season. That all changed on Tuesday when the the Sounders announced that 11 new families had joined the ownership group as minority stakeholders, buying out the remainder of Roths share (Update: three more families have joined the ownership group since the initial announcement). [239] The North End Faithful sit in the north end of the stadium beneath the "Hawks Nest" in sections 100 and 144152. Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and Ciara announced Tuesday that they have joined the MLS Seattle Sounders' ownership group. [172] The team began their 2023 preseason in Seattle before a training camp in Marbella, Spain, to prepare for the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup in Morocco. The match drew an attendance of 69,274, setting records for the team and any sporting event at CenturyLink Field. [161] In the round of 16, the Sounders were held to a scoreless draw to F.C. Prior to this change, Hanauer said he owned 35 percent, Roth had 32.5 percent, the Paul Allen estate had 25 percent which is now controlled by Allen's sister Jody and operated by Vulcan Sports and Entertainment and Drew Carey had 7.5 percent. It was a pretty clever way to market this, I must admit. Seattle Sounders Portland Timbers . To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. Gambling problem? [24] Sigi Schmid was introduced as the club's first head coach on December 16, 2008, after leaving the Columbus Crew following their MLS Cup victory.[25]. He had been hired by the club in 2021 to serve as sporting director. The money these new owners spent to buy into the Sounders effectively went to Roth, who likely saw his investment multiply at least 10-fold. Motagua", "Recap: Club Len 1, Seattle Sounders FC 1 (1-4 aggregate: SEA advance to semifinals)", "Sounders advance to their first CCL final and a draw was enough", "Seattle Ends MLS's CCL Futility, Routs Pumas to Win Concacaf's Title", "The Sounders Qualified for the Club World Cup. [229], The Sounders FC Alliance was established at the request of minority owner Drew Carey. That doesnt seem to be of particular concern, either. Griffey's 22-year Major League Baseball career included 13 seasons in Seattle. Hanauer even made mentioned of the third rail in American soccer synthetic turf and expressed some muted optimism that some changes to the playing surface could come down the line. That was important to me and it was important to the league. Beyond them, its a group of people with backgrounds in the tech industry that former tech executive Terry Myerson apparently cobbled together. Given the rather unprecedented nature of all this, you probably have a lot of questions. Feb. 21Puget Sound Energy is pushing for legislation that would help it secure a large ownership stake in new renewable projects in the state. Eric Williams NFC West Reporter Always positive, Pete Carroll took the high road. newsletter, Ride of the Valkyries - A Seattle Reign blog, #TheFuture: Sounders 2, the Academy and Sounders U23s, Sounders vs. Rapids: community player ratings form. After an up-and-down 2022, Morriss opened the 2023 campaign with one of his best-ever performances. [310] Fletcher left the club at the end of the 2015 season and was replaced by Keith Costigan.[311][312]. All this . This one billion percent. SEATTLE (AP) The Seattle Sounders are adding Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and wife Ciara, hip-hop artist Macklemore and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella to the MLS club's ownership group. The Sounders are a phoenix club, carrying the same name as the original Sounders franchise that competed in the North American Soccer League (NASL) from 1974 to 1983. 1. Ultimately I will want to involve them [the new owners] and make them feel like partners, but ultimately Im going to be able to make the call.. [14], In 2007, Hanauer teamed up with Hollywood producer Joe Roth to make another bid for MLS expansion into Seattle, at a cost of $30million. [205] Because of this relationship, the Sounders made use of Lumen Field without paying rent. Home of the Seahawks, Sounders, OL Reign, XFL, 2026 World Cup and WAMU Theatre. in January and, by July, was loaned to Sporting CP in Portugal with an option to buy; Montero was sold permanently to Sporting in 2014. The Sounders tied the Galaxy on aggregate score but lost on the away goals rule after losing 10 away and winning 21 at home. Vulcan Sports Group, operated by Jody Allen, the sister of the late Paul Allen, will continue to control a 25% share. The ensuing penalty shootout took 11 rounds and was won 109 by San Jose. Three months after Wilson joined the Sounders' ownership in 2019, Seattle defeated Toronto FC 3-1 in the MLS Cup final, claiming their second league title in club history. Beyond specifically talking about that possibility during the press conference, the Sounders have also been promising an announcement along those lines sometime in the relatively near future. [288][289] Several academy products have been signed by the Sounders under the MLS Homegrown Player Rule, including DeAndre Yedlin, Sean Okoli, Jordan Morris, and Henry Wingo. [212] Based on high initial demand, capacity for the stadium was limited to 24,500 for the beginning of the inaugural 2009 season. Pro Soccer To Become Reality in March Of '96", "Want A Stadium For Football? Gorilla FC is a Sounders supporters group that sits in the south end of Lumen Field in Sections 119 and 120. [3] However, despite the strong soccer fan base in Seattle, the absence of a soccer-only stadium was a drawback to establishing an MLS team. Please enter a valid email and try again. [165] As CONCACAF champions, Seattle became the first MLS club to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup. The league-wide deal replaces existing television and streaming contracts, including local partnerships for the Sounders and national broadcasts on linear and cable television. Speaking of stadiums, was there really anything to the possibility that new owners might try to move the team? News > Business Tesla owners stay loyal through Elon Musk's many controversies. Feb. 27, 2023 Updated Mon., Feb. 27, 2023 at 12:47 p.m.. A Tesla store in Colma, California, this month. is banking on more future growth but even at an average growth rate of 16 percent year-over-year, the team will not be worth $7B until 2025 at the . [278], A 2015 study by Forbes ranked the Sounders number one in the league in terms of annual revenues ($50million) and operating income ($10million). Time will tell, though. [270] Tacoma native Hugh Weber was hired as the club's President of Business Operations in February 2023, replacing Tomozawa, who was named CEO of Seattle's organizing committee for the 2026 FIFA World Cup;[271][272] Tomozawa kept his ownership stake in the club despite his departure from club operations. newsletter, Ride of the Valkyries - A Seattle Reign blog, #TheFuture: Sounders 2, the Academy and Sounders U23s, New ownership group opens new chapter for Adrian Hanauer, Sounders, U.S. Soccer Foundations Board of Governors, Peter Tomozawa joins ownership group as new President of Business Operations, renderings apparently commissioned by the Sounders, even if Sounders fans dont get to enjoy all of them, Sounders vs. Rapids: community player ratings form. The actor, comedian and game show host became one of the first American celebrities to get into soccer ownership when he bought a 7.5% stake in MLS expansion side Seattle Sounders in 2007. That led to BBC commentator Ross Fletcher becoming the club's television and radio play-by-play commentator beginning with the 2012 season, working alongside Kasey Keller as the color commentator. As the majority owner, Hanauer was clear that the buck will stop with him. Blake led MLS in shutouts with 15 and had a 79.4% save percentage last season, the third time he was honored as the league's best goalie. In the playoffs, the Sounders were eliminated in the conference semifinals by the Los Angeles Galaxy on a 31 aggregate score. I heard something about $58.5 million being exchanged. [295] A beach soccer team, also named the Sounders, was fielded for the 2011 and 2012 editions of the Mundialito de Clubes. Lucky for you, Ive got answers. [174] Fans chose a name for the team in an online poll held between March 27 and 31, 2008. [94][95], The injury and suspension of the team's main attacking duo led to poor performances over the summer, with Seattle winning only one match in nine games. Hanauer half-jokingly suggested some more owners may be announced. The jersey is primarily red with a stylized dragon on the front and includes yellow and black accents as well as the symbols of Jeet Kune Do and Lee's signature. Seattle's new partners join an existing Sounders FC Ownership Group that helped launch one of the most successful expansion franchises in North American sports history. [227] Smaller than Lumen Field, Starfire is also used to host U.S. Open Cup matches. [87], After a disappointing 2013 season, the Sounders replaced starting goalkeeper Michael Gspurning with Toronto's Stefan Frei. [225] A new turf surface, based on the Revolution 360 brand developed by FieldTurf, was installed in early 2016 as part of the extended lease after noticeable wear on the former surface. Please enter a valid email and try again. [116][117] The Sounders then defeated the Colorado Rapids 31 on aggregate in the final, clinching a spot in their first-ever MLS Cup. When the Sounders moved into Starfire ahead of the 2009 season, it was among the best training facilities in MLS. [258] In October 2020, Seattle Kraken team president Tod Leiweke and his wife, Tara, were announced as additional part-owners of the team. Lets just say the money is the same. [208] The field was renamed in 2022 to the "Emerald Queen Casino Pitch at Lumen Field". [209], Lumen Field is a 69,000-seat stadium designed for both teams. [98], During the playoff's opening knockout round, the Sounders defeated the LA Galaxy 32, ending a "curse" for the club, who had lost to LA in each of the three previous playoff matchups. [90], Entering the playoffs as the top seed, Seattle defeated FC Dallas on the away goals rule and advanced to the Western Conference Championship to face the LA Galaxy once again. If you knew exactly what percentage was purchased, you wouldnt even have to be that good at math! 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