“Billion Dollars Before You Have a Team” – New Bournemouth Owner Alongside Michael B. Jordan Doesn’t Want to Be ‘Involved’ in the MLS

The USA isn’t a super fan of soccer, and it is clear by the instant disconnect fans had after the defeat of USMNT by the Netherlands. Which is strange knowing the fact that the nation has its league. MLS is kind of booming within the community of fans soccer has in the states. However, when you compare it with the viewership of other sports, MLS is dwarfed. Recently, an interview with Bournemouth owner Bill Foley, alongside Michael B. Jordan, brought out the contrast and mindset of major entities toward investing in MLS clubs.

MLS was founded 29 years ago in 1993 and the first season happened during 1996-97. There are a total of 29 teams in the league which is higher than the Premier League which has 20 teams.

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In 2007, the league expanded and had Toronto FC as its first out-of-USA team. English soccer star David Beckham also joined MLS in the same year and paved a way for international players to play in MLS. However, most bug names are still playing in European leagues.

Bill Foley talks about buying an MLS club

In an interview when A.F.C. Bournemouth’s new owner was asked about the possibility of owning an MLS club, he gave his reasoning on why he is don’t want to be involved in it.

He said: “You know, I’ve looked at it, I examined it and I was pretty serious about it. The MLS unfortunately requires a stadium to be build… And stadiums now in the US are costing 600 million-700 million dollars. The franchise fee itself is I think 300 million dollars. So, you are into it for a billion dollars before you have a team.”

“I thought Bournemouth was a bargain really I’m buying a Premier League team… it already got players and I can prove it. I can make it better. So, I don’t see us being involved in the MLS… I just don’t see it. I’m just not that interested in it,” Foley added.

Investing in an MLS club is an enormous investment and investors are now shying away from it.

Bill Foley and Michael B. Jordan acquired AFC Bournemouth

Less than a week ago, American billionaire businessman Bill Foley acquired the ownership of Premier League club AFC Bournemouth. The deal was completed 3 days ago and was reported to be 147 million USD. Foley is set to be the president of the club.

The club will be owned by Black Knight Football and Entertainment, which holds a 50.1% stake in the club. Folley will be holding 25% stakes. The rest 25.9% will be owned by a minority owners group consisting of Michael B. Jordan and businessman Nullah Sarker.

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Given that Folley got a Premier League club for just 147 million USD, more than a billion dollars for MLS sounds like a bad business idea.