
U.S. Investors Pour Money into Latin American Soccer Teams
A group of investors that includes several Hollywood stars has landed in Bogota's soccer. This is how they did it.
An American investment fund led by Al Tylis and Sam Porter has finalized the acquisition of Colombian soccer team La Equidad, marking another chapter in the increasing involvement of U.S. investors in Latin American soccer. Among the consortium’s high-profile members are celebrities like Ryan Reynolds, Eva Longoria, and Rob McElhenney, who have previously ventured into sports with notable success.
Founded in 1982 by an insurance company of the same name, La Equidad is one of the most emblematic clubs in Colombia’s capital. While it lacks the trophy cabinet of the country’s traditional giants, the team has been a consistent presence in Colombia’s top division since 2007. Based at Estadio Metropolitano de Techo, which seats 10,000 spectators, the club has played in three league finals and participated in several editions of the Copa Sudamericana.
The investment fund acquired more than 99% of La Equidad’s shares in a transaction valued at over $30 million, according to sources cited by The New York Times. Negotiations began in mid-2024 and concluded successfully in January 2025, following approval from DIMAYOR, Colombia’s governing soccer body.
“We’re thrilled to be part of La Equidad’s future and Colombian soccer,” Sam Porter stated in a press release. “Bogotá is a vibrant city with immense potential, and we’re committed to strengthening this project both on and off the field.”
Celebrities Step Onto the Investment Pitch
The consortium features well-known figures who have gained prominence not just in entertainment but also in sports. Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, for instance, became widely recognized in soccer after purchasing Wrexham AFC in Wales in 2021. Under their leadership, the team secured two promotions and is on the verge of reaching England’s second division. Their journey was documented in the hit series *Welcome to Wrexham*, which brought global attention to the club.
Eva Longoria, famous for her role in Desperate Housewives, has also been a key figure in the investment group. The consortium includes former NBA star Shawn Marion, MLB pitcher Justin Verlander, and his wife, actress Kate Upton. According to The New York Times, these investors have leveraged their expertise and resources to diversify their portfolios in sports.
Expanding Across Latin America
The acquisition of La Equidad is not the group’s first venture into Latin American soccer. In 2021, they purchased 50% of Mexico’s Club Necaxa, one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious teams. In 2024, Reynolds and McElhenney also acquired a minority stake in Necaxa, strengthening ties between the two clubs and fostering opportunities for collaboration in player development and marketing strategies.
The fund has adopted a multi-team investment approach, which, according to experts cited by The New York Times, allows them to identify talent in less explored regions, share analytics across clubs, and generate revenue through player transfers and commercial deals. This model has gained traction among international consortia seeking to capitalize on soccer’s global appeal.
A Promising Future for La Equidad
The arrival of new owners presents a world of opportunities for La Equidad. While specific plans have yet to be disclosed, the club’s statement emphasized the group’s commitment to strengthening key areas such as facilities, player development, and fan experiences.
The case of La Equidad may also inspire new media ventures. According to Variety, the group has already produced a documentary series titled Welcome to Necaxa, which will stream on platforms like FX and Disney+ across Latin America. A similar project for La Equidad seems plausible, given the investors’ track record of using media to amplify their teams’ profiles.
Global Trends in Sports
The acquisition of La Equidad highlights the growing trend of U.S. investors targeting Latin American soccer. Regions like Colombia and Mexico offer unique opportunities thanks to their wealth of talent and increasing global interest in the sport.
The consortium led by Tylis and Porter aims not only to generate financial returns but also to contribute to the holistic development of the clubs they invest in. With a blend of sports expertise, business strategies, and media support, their model has the potential to redefine the soccer landscape in Latin America in the years to come.
With information from AFP
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