The Seattle Sounders FC announced today that Russell Wilson and Ciara have joined the team's ownership group. They aren't the only ones to join the ownership, however, as they will also be joined by the likes of Macklemore and his wife, Tricia Davis, among others.
"Seattle means so much to me and Ciara," Wilson said in a statement. "We’re fired up about being part of the Sounders for a long, long time, having ownership in the Sounders and continuing to build that winning culture." The Seattle Seahawks quarterback first moved to Seattle 2012, and he's been an active member of the community ever since.
"We’re really excited about building that winning culture," he continued. "This city is a special place. The Pacific Northwest is a place we love and we get to raise our kids here and have a lot of fun while doing it. We want to bring the best soccer players in the world right here to Seattle." The new group of investors is being led by former Microsoft executive Terry Myerson and his wife Katie.
"This is not only a special moment for Russ and I, but for our kids as well," Ciara added. "When we walked into the building and our kids were running around with their names on their little jerseys, it meant a lot for so many reasons. It’s an honor to join the Sounders team and have the unique opportunity to represent female ownership within major league sports. The team has already done some amazing things, but I believe the best is ahead and we’re excited to be part of that."
Sounders Majority owner Adrian Hanauer said that building a sense of community around the team is integral for its success. "Today’s news is a testament to what our community has accomplished, as 11 new families have joined with the broader Sounders family as fans and invested stewards of our club," he said.
Others joining the newly announced group of investors include Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and his wife Anu, the chief product officer at Twilio Chee Chew, David Nathanson formerly of Fox Sports Media Group, ex-Pandora CEO Brian McAndrews, and former managing partner at Softbank Investment Advisors Mark Agne.
"Man, to be part of this organization, having grown up in Seattle – it’s pretty surreal," Macklemore added. "It’s just very exciting. I’m very honored. I think we have a great group. This team is building an incredible legacy and I’m just excited to be part of it."
