Former NBA All-Star Grant Hill and his wife, Grammy-nominated singer Tamia Hill, have made a significant investment in the soccer world. The couple has joined the ownership group for MLS’s Orlando City SC and the NWSL’s Orlando Pride, according to a news release on Friday. This move adds to the growing list of celebrity and former athlete minority investors in both leagues, highlighting the increasing popularity and appeal of soccer in the domestic market.
The Hills, who have been longtime season ticket members for both teams, will serve as 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 no stranger to sports ownership. He is also a co-owner of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks and works as a basketball broadcaster for Turner Sports, NBA TV, and CBS Sports. Tamia Hill, on the other hand, has had a successful R&B music career spanning more than two decades and has been nominated for six Grammy Awards.
The addition of the Hills to the ownership group is expected to bring good publicity to both MLS and NWSL. It also opens up new opportunities for the teams and leagues to expand their reach and attract more fans. With this move, a total of 24 athletes and entertainers now have ownership stakes in MLS clubs, according to the league.
While the impact on the field may be minimal, these ownership stakes demonstrate the growing interest in investing in soccer in the United States. It also reflects the strong appeal of MLS and NWSL as attractive investment opportunities. Both leagues have been successful in attracting high-profile investors, including 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.
The Wilf family, who purchased Orlando City Soccer Holdings LLC in 2021, welcomed the Hills’ investment. Mark Wilf, the current owner and chairman of the teams, expressed his excitement about adding Tamia and Grant Hill to the ownership group. He praised their passion for the clubs and their commitment to the community. The Hills, who reside in Orlando with their daughters Myla and Lael, expressed their gratitude to the Wilf family and their excitement about being part of the ownership group. They also emphasized their support for the Orlando Pride and their dedication to elevating women in sports.
Orlando City had a successful season, finishing second in MLS’s Eastern Conference with an 18-7-9 record. The team has advanced to the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season. On the other hand, the Pride had a more challenging season, finishing seventh in the NWSL with a 10-11-1 record and failing to qualify for the playoffs for the fifth straight season.
The investment by Grant and Tamia Hill further solidifies the future prospects of both teams. Their involvement as owners will undoubtedly bring new perspectives and opportunities for growth. Exploria Stadium, where both teams play their home matches, holds a special place in the hearts of the Hills, who have enjoyed attending games with their daughters. Now, they can experience the matches from a different perspective as part of the ownership group.
In conclusion, Grant and Tamia Hill’s investment in Orlando City SC and the Orlando Pride adds to the growing list of celebrity and former athlete minority investors in MLS and NWSL. This move highlights the increasing popularity and appeal of soccer in the United States. While it may not have a significant impact on the on-field performance, it brings positive publicity to both leagues and opens up new avenues for growth and expansion. The Hills’ involvement as limited partners will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success and development of both teams.