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Athletes Turned Owners: The Stars Investing in American Soccer
In this edition, we dive into the active athletes investing in American soccer teams—big names are betting on the future of the sport stateside! We take in an Arsenal matchday in Brooklyn with Spike Lee. In D.C. Domo Wells is injecting fresh style into the Washington Spirit, while looking ahead to January, where the year kicks off with a Brazilian soccer takeover.
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THE SUITE
Active Athlete Owners Making Waves In American Soccer
In the ever-evolving landscape of American soccer, a new wave of ownership is taking shape. Not just any owners, but some of the biggest names in sports are stepping up to invest in soccer teams across the country. Let’s take a look at the currently active athlete owners who are shaping the future of the beautiful game in the U.S.
THE BEAUTIFUL GAME
An Arsenal Matchday in Brooklyn with Spike Lee
Credit: Matt Genovese
Vanity Fair caught up with arguably the most famous Brooklyn representative to take in an Arsenal match at Fancy Free, the bar adjoining his 40 Acres and a Mule production offices in Fort Green Brooklyn. We learn about his connection to the club through a friendship with Thierry Henry and his new tradition of watching the matches amongst fellow Gooners in his home borough.
STYLE
Domo Wells is blending soccer and style together for the Washington Spirit
Credit: Tyra Mitchell
The first Creative Director of the Washington Spirit speaks with Hypebae on the recent women-in-sports renaissance and her capsule collection for the soccer team.
Domo, a DMV (D.C., Maryland, and Virginia) native, helps the Washington Spirit step into the spotlight that they've earned as the NWSL's second-ranked team by designing an exclusive capsule collection and directing the accompanying campaign, which features team players Ashley Hatch, Andi Sullivan, Aubrey Kingsbury, MaKenna Morris, Heather Stainbrook, Courtney Brown, and Kate Weisner and takes creative cues from the Renaissance period.
MORE STYLE NEWS
Rhuigi Villaseñor, founder of fashion label RHUDE, has joined Italian soccer club Como 1907 as its Chief Brand Officer, further expanding his influence in the intersection of fashion and sports. In this new role, Villaseñor will oversee brand strategy and help elevate Como 1907’s identity on a global scale. As both a member of the club’s ownership group and a visionary in design, he’s set to bring a unique fusion of luxury fashion aesthetics and contemporary style to the club.
ON THE PITCH
FC Series to Feature Orlando City SC Alongside Brazilian Powers São Paulo, Atlético Mineiro and Cruzeiro in January
Mark your calendar, three Brazilian soccer clubs (São Paulo FC, Atlético Mineiro, and Cruzeiro) will visit Florida in January for the FC Series. The event, which celebrates its 10-year anniversary in 2025, will return to its Florida Cup roots with four exhibition matches across the state. The lineup includes São Paulo FC's return to Florida, the first Superclássico Mineiro between Atlético and Cruzeiro to be played in the U.S., and a clash between Atlético and Orlando City SC, fresh off their 2024 MLS playoff run.
WHAT TO WATCH
Matches you don’t want to miss this coming week…
Must-Watch Soccer Matches: Week of November 4–10
1. UEFA Champions League: Real Madrid vs. AC Milan
Tuesday, November 5 at 3:00 PM ET on Paramount+
Real Madrid will host AC Milan at Santiago Bernabeu for a highly anticipated UEFA Champions League showdown.
2. UEFA Champions League: Inter Milan vs Arsenal
Wednesday, November 6 at 3:00 PM ET on Paramount+
9th place Arsenal face off against 7th place Inter Milan in Matchday 4 of the league phase of the revamped Champions League. Injury plagued Arsenal sit just below the automatic qualifying line as they head to the San Siro to continue their push into an automatic Rnd of 16 qualifying spot.
4. MLS Playoffs: Inter Miami CF vs. Atlanta United
Saturday, November 9 at 8:00 PM ET on Apple TV
Win and move on, Messi and Inter Miami’s Playoff run comes down to match 3 in the Round One Best-of-3 series .
5. NWSL Playoffs
November 8-10 on ABC, CBS, Prime, and Paramount+
The 2024 NWSL Playoffs are set to begin on November 8, marking the start of an intense postseason with high stakes. This year, Orlando Pride stands out after an impressive season, clinching the NWSL Shield with a record-breaking run, including an unbeaten streak stretching back to 2023. Their journey, along with other top-seeded teams, promises thrilling matchups as they compete for the championship title.
Enjoy the week packed with top-tier soccer action!