Hollywood Stars Invest in Colombian Soccer

In a thrilling move for soccer fans, a U.S. consortium led by real estate mogul Al Tylis and Club Necaxa executive Sam Porter has finalized the purchase of Colombian soccer club La Equidad, with support from a star-studded group of investors, including actors Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney, and Eva Longoria.

About La Equidad

Based in Bogotá, La Equidad plays its home games at the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo, which holds up to 10,000 spectators. The club, founded in 1982 by an insurance company sharing its name, recently finished 13th out of 20 teams in Colombia's 2024 league phase.

Details of the Purchase

Sources reveal that the consortium has acquired over 99% of La Equidad, valuing the deal at upwards of $30 million. Negotiations for this pivotal acquisition took place throughout the latter part of 2024, culminating in a successful purchase on Wednesday.

Impact of Reynolds and McElhenney's Previous Investment

This latest venture into soccer comes on the heels of Reynolds and McElhenney's impactful ownership of Wrexham AFC, which they acquired in 2021 while the team was languishing in fifth division football. Due to their engaging management and a popular docu-series titled Welcome to Wrexham, the club has experienced a meteoric rise with back-to-back promotions and is now eyeing a move to the Championship, just one step away from the prestigious Premier League.

Strategic Long-Term Investment

The new acquisition isn't just about soccer; it's a strategic long-term investment. The trend of multi-club investments in soccer has been on the rise, allowing investors to tap into talent from underrepresented regions, share insights, and create pathways for player development through strategic loan arrangements.

Celebrity Investors and Their Influence

In addition to Reynolds and McElhenney, the consortium includes MLB pitcher Justin Verlander, his wife Kate Upton, and notable figures like Scott Galloway, a renowned author and entrepreneur, and NBA star Shawn Marion, both of whom add further star power and investment depth to the project. There are reports that even more celebrity investors are considering joining this burgeoning endeavor.

Statements from the Consortium

Porter expressed his excitement over the acquisition, stating, "I am pleased to confirm that our team has successfully acquired Club Deportivo La Equidad. This is an incredible opportunity to enhance the club's growth in every aspect and become an integral part of Colombian football."

Looking Ahead

As the consortium sets its sights on shaping La Equidad into a prominent force in Colombian soccer, fans are eager to see how Reynolds, McElhenney, and their crew will leverage their media influence and sporting wisdom to ignite excitement both domestically and internationally.

Potential Media Ventures

Keep an eye out for potential docu-series plans surrounding La Equidad, following in the footsteps of their successful ventures elsewhere. Will this new chapter unveil hidden talents and stories from Colombian soccer to the world? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain—the fusion of sports, business, and entertainment is creating a thrilling narrative that fans won't want to miss!