Carlos Vela taking on role in LAFC ownership transition
Carlos Vela is one of three new investors to acquire a minority interest in LAFC, as confirmed by a league source to ESPN, with Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai among those divesting his stake in the franchise.
Sportico was the first to report on Vela’s acquisition and Tsai’s divestment. The report indicated that Vela, along with two other limited partners, obtained a 6% interest in the club, and that Fanatics CEO Mike Mahan also sold his shares in LAFC.
LAFC has historically maintained a diverse roster of limited partners, which includes LA Lakers icon Magic Johnson, actor Will Ferrell, and former United States star Mia Hamm Garciaparra, along with her spouse, former MLB player Nomar Garciaparra.
Vela, 37, concluded his playing career last May as one of the most cherished figures in the club’s short history. In addition to being part of the 2022 team that secured the MLS Cup, Vela earned the league’s MVP award in 2019, achieving 34 regular season goals, which at that time set an MLS record. In total, Vela netted 93 goals in 187 matches for LAFC across all competitions.
Vela’s purchase of LAFC shares underscores a series of transactions related to MLS club ownership. Peter Mallouk recently acquired a controlling stake in Sporting Kansas City, enhancing his previous minority interest, at a valuation of $700 million according to Forbes. The Miller Family became the majority owners of Real Salt Lake last April at a valuation of $580 million in a transaction that also encompassed the NWSL’s Utah Royals.
In other ownership developments, Dr. Pete Edwards of the Columbus Crew has recently increased his stake in the club, while Austin FC has also welcomed additional investors. Seattle Sounders FC is currently in the process of raising over $200 million to develop their Longacres site, which includes their training facility.
