Sources said that MLS executives have been eager to enlist Soon-Shiong to DC UnitedGETTY IMAGES
L.A. Times Owner and Lakers investor Patrick Soon-Shiong, who has "been in talks about becoming a major investor in DC United, might not buy into the MLS club at all," according to sources cited by Steven Goff of the WASHINGTON POST. One source said that the situation "remains 'fluid.'" But other sources said that Soon-Shiong "likely will not join" the ownership group. Current DC United General Partner Erick Thohir is "planning to sell most, if not all," of his 78% stake in the club to Managing General Partner & CEO Jason Levien, who "owns the balance." Sources said that Levien has been "attempting to form a new group" that would include some of his partners from Swansea City, the Wales-based club that was relegated from the EPL after last season. Grizzlies Minority Owner Steve Kaplan and Levien head a group that controls 68% of Swansea. Sources said that MLS execs have "been eager to enlist Soon-Shiong but are not sold on the Swansea group." No deal can go through "without approval" from the MLS BOG (WASHINGTON POST, 7/19).
FAN BASE UNREST: In DC, Zielonka & Kostka note a new partnership between DC United and supporters group the Screaming Eagles has left other fan groups La Barra Brava and District Ultras "claiming they were not offered the same terms to buy tickets for Audi Field's supporters' stand." Hundreds of fans "boycotted when the new soccer-specific facility opened Saturday." Those fans said that they will "continue to stay away until they feel there is a solution -- which, after five months, might be on the horizon." In February, DC United "announced a deal giving the Screaming Eagles exclusive rights to sell single-game tickets" in supporters' stand sections. Levien "reached out to the Ultras this week and met with Barra Brava on Tuesday." More than 300 fans "joined the 'Supporters' March,'" a demonstration before Saturday's game against the Whitecaps that "simultaneously cheered the team and protested its front office." The "clash" between the groups was "perhaps inevitable for organizations known throughout soccer for competitiveness, drinking and nonstop chanting and singing" (WASHINGTON TIMES, 7/17).
