January 16, 2024 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Las Vegas Lights FC News Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Las Vegas Lights FC today welcomed decorated former Major League Baseball star José Bautista as its new principal owner, immediately elevating its profile within the exploding pro sports landscape in Las Vegas. As primary investor, Bautista will assume the role of chairman and governor of the club ahead of the 2024 USL Championship season kickoff in March.
“Las Vegas is the place to be and has emerged as a big professional sports town, and I will do everything I can to push this club forward,” said Las Vegas Lights principal owner José Bautista. “As a soccer fan and former professional athlete, I am excited to be involved with the world’s game, Since my retirement from professional baseball, I have witnessed the incredible growth of soccer in the United States, and I look forward to sharing my love of sports with the Las Vegas soccer community.”
Since his retirement from professional baseball, Bautista has established himself as an active and thoughtful investor, board member, philanthropist and entrepreneur. His on-field prowess and reputation as an ethical businessman has led to partnerships with significant brands, including Audi, Hublot, Coca-Cola, TD Bank, Fanatics, General Mills, The Players Tribune, Silver Jeans, Booster Juice (Canada), Pizza Pizza (Canada) and New Balance.
Bautista was an early equity partner, lead investor, and board member for Marucci Sports, a baseball equipment startup that was sold to Compass Diversified Holdings in 2020. Additional business interests include stakes in Canada Goose, which went public in 2017, and Endy Sleep, which was acquired by Sleep Country in 2018, and currently serves as a Partner and Senior Advisor to Aquilance, a leading household financial management firm that assists successful individuals, entrepreneurs and families to make better-informed financial decisions and save time on administrative tasks.
Bautista is passionate about supporting the community and has committed himself as a resource to athletes around the world. He founded the Bautista Family Education Fund in 2011, which provides support and assistance to student-athletes aspiring to attend university programs in the United States and Canada.
“Throughout my playing career, I recognized the importance of giving back in meaningful, intentional ways,” Bautista said. “Likewise, as an owner, I am committed to having a real impact…