See Emily Santiago-Molina’s story on this page for more on the expected domestic expansion of Charly USA, an apparel maker with a focus on soccer gear, via a deal with the United Soccer League.
Charly USA isn’t the only one in OC upping their stakes in the soccer community.
Newport Beach’s Bhathal family, via their RAJ Sports business, is nearing a deal to buy the Portland Thorns FC, a team in National Women’s Soccer League, according to multiple reports that broke last week.
A price for the team wasn’t disclosed. A report in the trade publication Sportico cited a $65M valuation for the team, while another team in the league sold for an initial payment of $35.5M this year, according to reports.
Clubs in the 12-team NWSL are said to bring in average annual revenue of $9.7M.
“Lisa Bhathal Merage is leading the transaction for RAJ Sports and will serve as the team’s representative on the NWSL Board of Governors once approved. Bhathal Merage’s brother and partner across multiple business entities, Alex Bhathal, will serve as the alternate governor,” said a report in The Athletic.
The Bhathals have the second-largest stake in the Sacramento Kings; they bought into the NBA team in 2013 when it sold for a reported $530M. The Kings today are said to be worth well over $3B.
The large signs of Shohei Ohtani started to be taken down at Angel Stadium shortly after the two-way superstar announced his move to the LA Dodgers a week ago.
Also likely to come down: advertising revenue (and attendance figures) for Arte Moreno’s Angels. The team reportedly made more than $20M annually from marketing the two-time MVP winner, ESPN reported last week.
A good portion of that came from Japanese brands, based on signage at the stadium.
Ohtani himself makes upward of $45M annually through endorsements, ESPN reported.
The Bhathal family wouldn’t be the only notable soccer club owners based in OC when the Portland Thorns deal is completed.
Newport Beach’s Jeff Moorad owns several European clubs, through sports-focused private equity firm MSP Sports Capital, where he serves as partner and CEO.
Alongside soccer clubs in Spain, Germany, Belgium and other leagues, MSP also counts substantial stakes in the X Games and the McLaren Racing team, the latter of which came in fourth place in the 2023 F1 racing season.
Closer to home, Moorad was a winner with McLaren, as he recently decorated his waterfront Balboa Island home for the holidays with one of the team’s sports cars on the lawn. The car, placed on the lawn by crane, was driven by an inflatable Santa Claus.
The car helped the home (previously owned by hotel developer Bob Olson) draw a large number of visitors and press attention, and earned Moorad the annual Ring of Lights Sweepstakes Award at this month’s Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade.
Olson took 1st place twice while owning the same home.
