Major League Soccer (MLS) expansion franchise Austin FC has received investment from Hollywood as Academy award winning actor Matthew McConaughey signs up.
McConaughey, who was unveiled as a minority owner, was announced as part of a local four part investment team including Marius Haas, chief commercial officer at Dell Technologies, energy executive Bryan Sheffield and technology entrepreneur Eddie Margain.
The actor, a Texas native, has long been public regarding his Texas fandom, though the terms of his investment are yet to be released.
Commenting on the franchise and his investment into it, McConaughey stated: “Austin FC is more than a quality investment for Austin, it’s a quality investment in Austin. The most diverse and borderless game in the world is now coming to one of the most multicultural, creative and diverse cities in the world. Austin FC is a healthy investment in our city’s culture and future.”
Austin FC follow in the footsteps of fellow MLS clubs such as Houston Dynamo and the Seattle Sounders in their acquisition of celebrity investment, with McConaughey joining the likes of National Basketball Association (NBA) star James Harden, National Football League (NFL) quarterback Russell Wilson and hip-hop artist Macklemore.
Austin FC is set to officially become the MLS’s 27th club in 2021 following its acceptance into the league as an expansion franchise earlier this year.
FC Cincinnati, Nashville SC, Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami and St. Louis will join Austin FC as part of the MLS’ rapid expansion club. The integration of all the expansion franchise are set to take place between 2019 and 2022.
