Wall Street Giants Invest in US Soccer's Future

American soccer is undergoing a significant shift, with major Wall Street figures now playing a central role in its development. Mauricio Pochettino has extended his tenure as the U.S. Men's National Team head coach through 2030, a deal significantly backed by a philanthropic leadership gift from Ken Griffin, founder and CEO of Citadel. This follows Griffin's lead donor role in securing Pochettino before the 2026 World Cup.

Concurrently, Major League Soccer has appointed Larry Berg as its third commissioner. Berg, a co-owner of LAFC, brings decades of experience from private equity giants like Apollo Global Management. He views his private equity background as crucial for leading MLS, emphasizing urgency, collaboration, and effective governance. His co-owner, Bennett Rosenthal, highlighted how private equity principles, adapted for sports, can provide vital capital.

The league's ownership base, comprising 30 individuals, was actively involved in the selection process. Outgoing Commissioner Don Garber reflected on the evolving landscape, noting that past advice on managing owner dynamics is no longer as relevant due to the current group's strong alignment. This new era also sees private equity firm KKR partnering with MLS in a joint venture to manage commercial rights for MLS NEXT Pro clubs, further embedding institutional capital into the sport's infrastructure.