Mark Attanasio, the principal owner of the Milwaukee Brewers, has become the latest high‑profile sports executive to throw his weight behind the Athletes Unlimited Soccer League (AUSL).
The investment comes alongside a group of executives from Ryan Sanders Baseball, including Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan, his son Reid Ryan and partner Don Sanders, who have also committed capital to the upstart league.
While the exact dollar figures remain undisclosed, the move signals confidence in a venture that has already attracted an eight‑figure infusion from Athletes Unlimited itself and Major League Baseball, underscoring a rare crossover of baseball and soccer ownership.
Investors Build a New Soccer Landscape
Jon Patricof, chief executive officer and co‑founder of Athletes Unlimited, said the league is assembling a select cadre of individuals with expertise across sports, entertainment and business to guide its growth.
The AUSL will launch its second season on June 9, featuring six teams that will each host home games in their respective markets, a model designed to deepen local fan engagement while leveraging existing stadium partnerships.
One of those partnerships is the Texas Volts, who are slated to play at Dell Diamond, the longtime home of the Round Rock Express of the Triple‑A Rangers, adding a professional baseball venue to the soccer schedule.
The league’s expansion reflects a broader ambition to showcase talent on a national stage, with teams planned for markets such as Milwaukee, Utah, Chicago, Carolina, Portland and Oklahoma City, each bringing a distinct regional flavor to the competition.
Industry observers note that the involvement of established baseball figures could lend credibility and operational expertise to the soccer venture, potentially paving the way for future collaborations across the two sports.
The financial backing from both private investors and league‑owned entities is expected to accelerate the AUSL’s rollout, providing the resources needed for marketing, player compensation and infrastructure.
With the league’s eyes set on a sustainable future, the blend of baseball acumen and soccer innovation may prove to be a decisive advantage as the sport seeks to carve out a permanent place in the American professional sports ecosystem.