By Devon POV Mason | Staff Reporter
Former NFL player and Heisman-winning running back Mark Ingram, now a member of the Houston Texans, has always loved soccer.
When the U.S. Men’s National Team defeated Honduras 1-0 in the CONCACAF Nation’s League, Ingram showed his support by tweeting about the victory.
With his addition to the ownership group the D. C. United is now valued at $710 million.
Had to BOSS UP!! Create my own wave!! #DCU #VamosUnited #GodWinS pic.twitter.com/adGMG6Ozap
— Mark Ingram II (@markingramII) June 6, 2021
“I wanted to get involved because everyone seemed very genuine. “Everyone has this desire to make a DC United a championship place and a winning program. I think soccer is going to grow and it’s huge that we are hosting the World Cup in 2026.” Ingram said.
With an ownership group, that includes current co-chairman Jason Levien, who invested in the franchise back in 2012, when the club was valued at $60 million. But that was before the construction and opening of the beautiful Audi Field.
“We first spent time with Mark in 2019 and we have built a relationship founded on a set of shared values and a love of sport and community,” said Levien and Steve Kaplan, Co-Chairmen of the D.C. United.
“Mark’s track record at the highest levels of both collegiate and professional sports and the perspective that he brings is a valued addition to our ownership group and we look forward to having him as our partner.”
Ingram joins a growing list of professional athletes purchasing stakes in Major League Soccer teams.
The Nets’ Kevin Durant is now one of the owners of the Philadelphia Union and his teammate James Harden is an investor with the Houston Dynamo.
. @HoustonDynamo pic.twitter.com/mKZ15cR4du
— James Harden (@JHarden13) July 18, 2019
And Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson is a part-owner of the Seattle Sounders.
