In '04, RICCARDO SILVA and two partners started their own firm, MP & Silva, which now has annual revenues of around $700M and 20 offices around the world, according to Sam Jacobs of the MIAMI HERALD. Silva "also is a principal owner of a new North American Soccer League franchise that will begin play in Miami next year." The announcement of the new team came only about two months after MP & Silva’s "latest coup in the sports-rights field:" acquiring a five-year contract with the NFL to market game broadcasts and other NFL programming in 42 countries and territories in Europe. Silva: "I'm very proud that the NFL chose us. It's a reward for our good work." Among the firm's "other major holdings" are the worldwide rights for Italian and French football league telecasts, rights for 51 countries for the English Premier League and European rights for the French Open. Although some companies in his business "make deals with broadcasters to share advertising revenues," Silva said that he "insists that all his clients pay for their programming, just as he pays for the content." Silva: "I prefer to buy and sell." Perform Media Chief Revenue Officer RICH ROUTMAN said that the Silva firm "has done a great job throughout the world." Routman said that int'l is the "next frontier" for U.S. sports leagues. Now Silva has "gotten into a new business:" teaming with Italian footballer PAOLO MALDINI as owners of the new Miami football team, beating DAVID BECKHAM's proposed Major League Soccer franchise "to the punch." It was a "natural move" for Silva, a lifelong football fan. Silva: "I saw an opportunity. I think soccer will grow dramatically in the U.S." (MIAMI HERALD, 7/12).
