The Houston Chronicle’s Bernardo Fallas is reporting that boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya is lining up to become part owner of the Houston Dynamo. It appears Anschutz Entertainment Group is preparing to sell as much as half of its stake in the Dynamo.
According to a source with knowledge of the deal, De La Hoya and fellow investor Gabriel Brener will each purchase 25 percent stakes in the Dynamo. With the estimated value of the Dynamo rated at more than $40 million, the sale could net AEG more than $20 million.
So what should we make of this news? New blood in the ownership ranks is always a good thing and De La Hoya would help bring some more credibility to a league that is growing at a steady rate.
And why is AEG selling? It is no secret that AEG has wanted to sell the franchise since it arrived from San Jose. The sale tells me that the stadium project the club is working on in Houston is in strong enough shape for AEG to make this move. You can put this one on the books as well. Once a Houston soccer stadium is built AEG will sell its remaining stake in the Dynamo and retain the stadium’s operating rights.
What do you think of this news? Like the idea of the ‘Golden Boy’ owning an MLS club? Surprised to see AEG selling off yet another piece of its once great MLS monopoly? Could the move lead to the Dynamo actually using its designated player slot? If anything, De La Hoya deserves credit for still wanting to by the team after it was thrashed by Gamba Osaka, 6-1, in the Pan Pacific Championship final late Saturday night (okay, I’m kidding).
Share your thoughts below.