United Co-Owner Victor MacFarlane Discusses MLS At SFF

MLS United Co-Owner Victor MacFarlane

Q: Why did you get into MLS?

MacFarlane: Why not MLS? I didn’t play, but all five of my kids played. My last son played at IMG academy. My company opened up an office in DC a few years ago, and we were looking to create ties to the local community. I met with Kevin Payne, and he introduced me to (Don) Garber. At the World Cup, I met Phil Anschutz, and then one thing led to another. 

Q: You examine business deals all the time. This one made sense for you?

MacFarlane: I didn’t examine this deal exactly as closely as I do my real estate deals. We don’t want to lose money, but this wasn’t the best use of my cash. We’re losing a lot of money right now.

Q: Is the league in good hands?

MacFarlane: I like what the owners are doing now, and the vision of the founding owners. These were dedicated soccer people. There was no return in sight. ... They were true believers. We also like the new owners coming in at this point.

Q: Is MLS growing a core base among soccer fans?

MacFarlane: It is. Our own team is averaging 21,000 fans in a non-soccer stadium. But looking at places like Toronto and the fan base there … things look good.

Q: Where do you want the new stadium to be?

MacFarlane: We have stated we want to be in DC, but will definitely not have a greenfield stadium. It must be accessible by metro.

Q: You seem frustrated by DC politics.

MacFarlane: When I purchased the team, it was conveyed to me that a stadium plan would quickly be in place. That has not been the case. I was excited to put the stadium in the eighth ward because that area needs economic development.

Q: Is the Verizon Center a model you’d like to follow?

MacFarlane: Definitely a model to follow. It has generated a lot of economic development in the area.

Q: We had David Samson here yesterday talking about how he handles his players, saying he almost wants nothing to do with them. How do you interact with your players?

MacFarlane: We’re dealing with human beings, not widgets. There has to be respect for employees.

Q: Have your players been involved in the community?

MacFarlane: I have found MLS players to be the most involved athletes around. Very accessible.

Q: What is the DC United ownership philosophy?

MacFarlane: Excellence. Our mission statement is to win championships and serve the community. We cannot win every year, but we can always serve the community.

Q: How engaged are you and Will Chang?

MacFarlane: We’re both engaged, and Will does more day-to-day. 

Q: What needs to be done to continue to grow MLS in the U.S.?

MacFarlane: New teams need to be in the right market. The product needs to be good on the field.

Q: For new MLS markets, what should MLS be looking for?

MacFarlane: I like the philosophy we have been following. The bigger markets have demonstrated they can handle more crowds.

MacFarlane Feels Beckham Adds Skill, Celebrity Appeal To MLS

MacFarlane: Our designated player is not working out on the field yet, but David Beckham is something more. He has that great celebrity appeal.

Q: Does MLS get fair treatment in the media?

MacFarlane: In DC we do. Any teams that connect with their community will get local coverage.

Q: Do any DC United investors complain about coverage?

MacFarlane: No.

Q: Would you relocate the team outside the market? 

MacFarlane: No.

Q: What leagues do you admire? 

MacFarlane: None. Just MLS.

Q: Are you looking at any sites for the stadium in Prince George County? 

MacFarlane: We have looked there. It is two metro stops away from downtown. We’re looking for something where our fans can work, live and play. We like the urban experience though.

Q: Advantages or disadvantages of single entity structure?

MacFarlane: The major advantage is that we are forced to reach a consensus as to how we are going to operate. That can always be the biggest disadvantage because we are all successful businessmen. 

Q: What do you read?

MacFarlane: Trade reports. Last good book I read for pleasure was “Tea for Pleasure."

Print This Article