MLS is reportedly considering a partial sale of its marketing arm to an equity firm. The Sports Business Journal report suggests the league could sell a 25 percent stake in SUM to Providence Equity Partners for $125 million to $150 million. That would put the value of SUM, an organization in which all MLS owners have a stake
MLS Reportedly Considering Partial Sale Of SUM Ownership
MLS could see influx of $125 million to $150 million that could be used on players.
The report goes on to state that at least part of the equation is how MLS would use this influx of money. One way would be to help the league’s original owners recoup millions in losses they shouldered during the early days of the league.
Likely of more interest to fans of the league is the idea of creating a fund to help teams acquire players. Such a fund could be used to cover transfer costs, raise the salary cap or even be used to create incentives for signing more Designated Players.
SUM is officially a separate entity from MLS, but is owned by the league. It was created in 2001 and handles marketing for MLS, the United States national team and the Mexico national team, as well as tours for FC Barcelona and Chivas’ (CD Guadalajara) marketing in the United States.
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