The 2025 MLS soccer season has officially kicked off this March. While some of us are rocking with the home team and others are just vibing in our favorite kit, it got us thinking—who are the power players off the pitch making things happen behind the scenes?
From Hollywood to the boardroom, here are 12 of your favorite celebs who are stepping up their portfolios and investing in “the beautiful game.”
Issa Rae, San Diego FC
After securing her legacy in Hollywood with hits like Barbie, actress Issa Rae is working on securing her legacy in sports, becoming a part owner of San Diego FC. The actress joined the Major League Soccer team’s ownership group just before their 2025 season debut along with Pave Investments, a group of African entrepreneurs and career investors.
Marshawn Lynch, Oakland Roots SC
A decade-long career of hustling across the football field prepared retired Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch for one of his biggest roles yet as an owner of the Oakland Roots. The Oakland native’s opportunity to mentor and bring big sports teams back to Oakland was too good to pass up, investing in the team in 2021. Since then, the team has continued to sign new talent to fill out their ranks on the field.
Naomi Osaka, North Carolina Courage
After capturing the world’s hearts and minds at the 2018 US Open, tennis champion Naomi Osaka is giving back to the young girls she inspired with her success. She’s one of the proud team owners of the North Carolina Courage after investing in the National Women’s Soccer League team in 2021. The team has a history of winning; they gained titles in 2018 and 2019.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nashville Soccer Club
Milwaukee Bucks power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo may be best recognized on the basketball court, but he’s also honoring his connection to the soccer field. In 2023, the basketball star and his brothers invested in the Nashville Soccer Club (Nashville S.C.), a testament to their love of the sport, ignited during their father’s career as a professional soccer player in Greece. Since then, the club has strived for greatness, making a stunning debut in the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup with a 3-0 victory.
Russell Wilson and Ciara, Seattle Sounders FC
The industry power couple jumped at the chance to be part of another one of Seattle’s great teams—the Seattle Sounders FC. The couple invested in the Major League Soccer team in 2019, continuing their streak of elevating sports in the city. In recent years, the Seattle Sounders FC have been applauded for their presence on the field. ESPN awarded the team the top spot in their Jersey Power Rankings list for their freshly debuted Native American-influenced Salish Sea Kit.
Ken Griffey Jr., Seattle Sounders FC
After being dubbed “The Kid” by Seattle fans who rooted for him during his baseball career, Ken Griffey Jr. is giving back to the city that helped put him on the map. In 2020, Griffey joined the Seattle Sounders club’s ownership—joining The Wilsons—after being inspired by the cheers the team drew from the massive stadium during one of their games. In 2025, the Sounders have made it their goal to win the Concacaf Champions Cup and Club World Cup tournaments.
Michael B. Jordan, AFC Bournemouth
While Jordan might have donned football gear in Friday Night Lights, the actor has taken on the very real role of minority owner in the AFC Bournemouth. In the years since he was announced as part of the ownership group in 2022, Jordan helped design the team’s new signature soccer gear, or kits, unveiled in the 2024 season.
James Harden, Houston Dynamo
Along with his J-Harden Wine brand, the NBA legend recognized Houston as the perfect place to sharpen his basketball skills and invest in one of Major League Soccer’s most promising teams. Harden became an owner of the team in 2019, also investing in the city’s Shell Energy Stadium while playing for the Houston Rockets. Since then, the Houston Dynamo have proved just how dynamic they are on the field, winning the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2023.
Magic Johnson, Los Angeles FC
The basketball hall of famer brought his magic touch to Los Angeles’ soccer scene. Johnson became a part owner of the club in 2014, pouring back into the city where he established himself as a basketball and business powerhouse. Nearly a decade later, in 2024, the team captured some of that magic on the field, winning the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup tournament.
Derrick Henry, Nashville SC
Former Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry brought his love of competition off the football field and into the hearts of Nashville’s best soccer talent. While living in the city, Henry became a minority owner of Nashville SC in 2022, signaling his support for the city’s other athletic stars. The team has continued to push themselves on the field, notably competing in the Concacaf Champions Cup in 2024.
Patrick Mahomes, Sporting Kansas City
While Kansas City Chiefs fans are familiar with Patrick Mahomes’ Super Bowl stardom, they may not know that the quarterback has ties to Kansas City’s other winning roster. In 2021, Mahomes was welcomed to the Sporting Kansas City club’s ownership group after spending multiple seasons playing for the Missouri-based NFL team, strengthening his ties to the city. To date, the team has four Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup championships and two MLS Cup trophies under their belt.
Kevin Durant, Philadelphia Union (MLS) and NJ/NY Gotham FC
The NBA champion is all in on soccer and has thrown his support behind both Major League Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League. In 2020, Durant invested in the Philadelphia Union team and committed to working with the Philadelphia community at large. Two years later, Durant became a minority investor in NJ/NY Gotham FC through his company Thirty Five Ventures (35V).
