Former NBA All-Star Grant Hill and his wife, Grammy-nominated singer Tamia Hill, are investing in the soccer world. The couple is joining the ownership group for MLS’s Orlando City SC and the NWSL’s Orlando Pride, according to a news release Friday. Here’s what you need to know:
- The Hills — longtime season ticket members for both teams — will be limited partners in the clubs.
- Grant Hill, a Hall of Famer who spent six seasons with the Orlando Magic during his 19-year NBA career, is also a co-owner of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks and is a basketball broadcaster for Turner Sports, NBA TV and CBS Sports.
- Tamia Hill was nominated for six Grammy Awards during her R&B music career which spanned more than two decades.
What this means for MLS, NWSL
The Hills become the latest celebrity and former athlete minority investors in MLS and NWSL circles, joining the likes of James Harden (Houston Dynamo and Houston Dash), Kevin Durant (Philadelphia Union), Sue Bird and Eli Manning (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Nashville SC), Patrick and Brittany Mahomes (KC Current), Russell Wilson and Ciara (Seattle Sounders), Will Ferrell (LAFC) and Mark Ingram and Yo Gotti (D.C. United), among others. With the addition of the Hills, 24 athletes and entertainers have ownership stakes in MLS clubs, per the league.
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While it likely won’t have a major impact on what fans see on the field, the ownership stakes add good publicity for the league and potentially open new avenues for the teams’ and leagues’ reach. It also shows both leagues continue to be hot commodities for sports investment in the domestic market. — Paul Tenorio, MLS senior writer
Backstory
In 2021, the Wilf family purchased Orlando City Soccer Holdings LLC — which includes Orlando City, the Pride and Exploria Stadium — from former owner Flavio Augusto da Silva for a valuation of around $400 million. Mark Wilf currently serves as owner and chairman of the teams.
This past season, Orlando City finished second in MLS’s Eastern Conference with an 18-7-9 (W-L-D) record, advancing to playoffs for the fourth straight season.
The Pride closed out the 2023 season with a 10-11-1 record (W-L-D) and seventh-place finish in the NWSL, failing to qualify for playoffs for a fifth straight season.
What they’re saying
The Hills, who live in Orlando with their daughters Myla and Lael, thanked the Wilf family in a statement.
“From the moment we met the Wilfs, we were impressed with their vision for the club and the passion they have for giving back to the Central Florida community, something that is also of great importance to us,” the Hills said. “The future is very promising for both teams, and we are excited to support Orlando City, as well as the opportunity to be a part of the Orlando Pride and elevate women in sports.
“Matches at Exploria Stadium are one of our favorite places to take our daughters, and we are very excited to now do so as part of the ownership group.”
Mark Wilf said in a statement: “We’re very excited to add both Tamia and Grant Hill as part of our ownership group for Orlando City and Orlando Pride. Over the past few years, we have gotten to know and appreciate Tamia and Grant, their passion for our clubs and their commitment to the community.
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“Both boast professional resumes that speak for themselves and are highly accomplished individuals in the business world but, more importantly, they are incredible contributors to the greater Orlando area. Tamia and Grant have shown passion and support for our teams for many years, including being staunch supporters of the Orlando Pride since day one, so we are looking forward to continuing to build our organization through their influence and dedication.”
Required reading
(Photo of Tamia and Grant Hill: Courtesy of Orlando City SC and the Orlando Pride)
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