June 17, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS)
Seattle Sounders FC News Release
SEATTLE, WASH. – Following the completion of a final Purchase and Sale Agreement, the Ownership Group of Seattle Sounders FC and global investment firm Carlyle have come together to invest in and operate leading National Women’s Soccer League club Seattle Reign FC. This blockbuster agreement unites the topflight teams in women’s and men’s professional soccer for the first time in Seattle history, keeping the club firmly rooted in the Pacific Northwest for generations of fans. Owned and operated by France’s OL Groupe since 2019, Reign FC is one of the leading clubs in the NWSL, which is widely considered to be the most competitive women’s soccer league in global football.
United in a foundational belief in the future of women’s soccer, Sounders FC Ownership is partnering with leading global investment firm Carlyle to invest in Reign FC. Carlyle brings its significant expertise and experience to this new venture, with Reign FC and Sounders FC joining forces to open the next chapter of Seattle’s storied soccer history. As part of this new structure, Sounders FC Owner Adrian Hanauer is serving as Governor of Reign FC on the NWSL Board of Governors. Carlyle’s Head of Private Credit, Alex Popov, will serve as Alternate Governor.
“Today is a milestone day for soccer in our city and I am humbled to be a part of it,” said Hanauer. “This announcement is about keeping one of the top women’s teams in the world locally rooted in our community for generations of fans to enjoy. I am a deep admirer of the Reign organization, and alongside our new partners at Carlyle, we are excited to steward this incredible club. Our goal is to be a standard-bearer in global soccer. This means creating a first-class environment for players, staff and fans, while staying authentic to our community. For anyone that loves the sport of soccer and its place in Seattle, today’s news brings everyone together and allows us all to run toward an incredible future.”
Hanauer continues, “I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the NWSL Board of Governors and Commissioner Berman for their partnership in this process and their belief in our bid, in addition to John Textor and his counterparts at Eagle Football Holdings and OL Groupe.”
Carlyle is united with Sounders FC Ownership in a vision for the ascendancy of women’s soccer, the NWSL and Seattle Reign FC. From connecting with strategic partners, to making…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at OurSports Central Outdoor Soccer News…