Denver financier Philip Anschutz has finalized the sale of his company’s MetroStars pro soccer team to Red Bull, the Austrian-based energy drink maker, officials said today.
As part of the agreement, Red Bull will team with Los Angeles-based Anschutz Entertainment Group to build the team’s soccer-specific stadium in Harrison, N.J. The team will be renamed Red Bull New York.
Financial terms weren’t disclosed, but the deal is reportedly worth $30 million to $50 million.
Red Bull also purchased naming rights to the soccer stadium and will have a 50 percent ownership stake in the facility. Anschutz’ company will be responsible for constructing, managing and booking the venue.
“The addition of Red Bull into our group of owners is a landmark moment for Major League Soccer,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said. “Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz brings international credibility and proven, innovative marketing expertise to Major League Soccer. His presence on the MLS Board of Governors provides another authentic, avid soccer fan to our diversifying set of investors.”
Anschutz is one of six original investors who helped launch the league in 1996. He still owns four MLS teams – the Los Angeles Galaxy, D.C. United, Chicago Fire and Houston Dynamo.
