Peter Mallouk to acquire 71% of Sporting Kansas City in roughly $700m deal

Goal reports Sporting Kansas City’s ownership is set to change as the Illig family have agreed to sell a 71% stake to current limited partner Peter Mallouk in a deal that values the franchise at roughly $700 million, according to Forbes — a figure the outlet says is the highest valuation ever paid for a majority stake in Major League Soccer.

Forbes says the Illigs will reduce their ownership to just under 10% while Mallouk, president and CEO of wealth advisory firm Creative Planning, will assume control with close to 80% of the club. Despite the shift in stakes, the Illig family is expected to retain roles within MLS governance and continue overseeing day-to-day operations in the short term; Sporting Kansas City said in a statement Friday afternoon, “We can confirm that there have been no changes in the management of the club, and no changes in the club’s ownership participation in MLS governance or league activities.” The transaction comes amid a broader surge in MLS valuations — the league now averages close to $700 million per team and several clubs have crossed the $1 billion mark, with recent minority stake sales in Columbus, Austin and other markets cited as indicators of the trend.

Key Topics

Sports, Peter Mallouk, Sporting Kansas City, Illig Family, Creative Planning, Major League Soccer