Padres’ Superstar Makes Huge Ownership Move with Local Sports Franchise
The city of San Diego is having a huge year for sports in 2023! It is clear that they will support their squads through thick and thin and they are now being rewarded for their spirit.
Everybody knew that the Padres would be must-watch television this season and even though they haven't gotten off to the best of starts, fans still take it a step further and have paved way for 14 sellout crowds at Petco Park. Let's also not forget how united the community became during SDSU's historic March Madness run.
However, it looks like Major League Soccer will now be welcomed into the city as 'San Diego FC' was officially announced to be launched on Thursday morning and our very own superstar Manny Machado is a part-owner of the organization.
Padres' owner Peter Seidler issued a heartwarming welcome message to the new franchise and the city of San Diego.
"The time is right for Major League Soccer to thrive in San Diego! The Padres organization and I welcome Mohamed Mansour, his son Loutfy, and the entire Mansour family. We are excited for the historic role that our terrific, long-standing partner, the Sycan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, has played in bringing an MLS franchise to San Diego. Finally, it is great to see Manny Machado's involvement as a part owner as he continues to demonstrate his love for San Diego and his special and powerful relationship with our community. His strong setof skills will benefit this franchise in multiple ways. What a great day for America's Finest City!"
(Via Ben Higgins)
Machado's Backstory To Ownership
I 100% love this move for Machado. He just received one of the biggest contracts in not just the MLB but in American sports and he is already making some huge business moves. Being a part-owner of a new sports franchise in a city like San Diego that doesn't have many is yet another way of him showing his connection there.
The star infielder revealed that he grew an appreciation for soccer as he grew older and that inspired him when this opportunity arose.
"Growing up, I was a basketball player and baseball player," said Machado. "A little bit of soccer but not much. When you get into professional sports, you start realizing it's a grind. You start venturing around, you start learning sports. So I started getting into European soccer and fell in love with Barcelona."
(Via 97.3 The Fan)
Machado is also super grateful to hold this position within the new team.
"Just to be able to have this opportunity and knowing that San Diego is a big soccer hub," said Machado. "And to help these kids grow and have an opportunity to maybe play for this home team, that's the beauty about it."
(Via 97.3 The Fan)
We are always beyond proud of our captain.
