David Beckham Eyes MLS Ownership [Report]

Own it like Beckham?

David Beckham may return to professional soccer as an owner.

Beckham, 38, announced his retirement as a player on Thursday. But there are reports that he may seek an ownership interest in a Major League Soccer (MLS) team in the US. ” .. while Beckham’s contract with MLS, signed when he joined the L.A. Galaxy in 2007, included an option to purchase an ‘expansion franchise,’ it has been revealed his advisors have been in talks with the league about possible locations for a new team.”

MLS reportedly will establish its 20th franchise in Queens, New York, with Manchester City believed be the front-runner in the ownership stakes. As far as Beckham being involved in that particular team, there may be a significant obstacle. Beckham’s MLS contract apparently gives him a big discount on buying a team, but only if it is outside the New York City area. So if the Big Apple transaction is off the table, Beckham’s other two options might include buying into the Galaxy or looking at potential expansion cities such as Orlando, Atlanta, or Miami for his ownership aspirations. Back in 2009, Beckham publicly expressed interest in becoming an owner.

Over his career, Beckham has played for Manchester United, Real Madrid, AC Milan, and MLS Galaxy, and has turned down an offer to extend for a one-year deal with his current club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). After winning the French title with the club, he just wants to finish his career on a high note. “I’m thankful to PSG for giving me the opportunity to continue but I feel now is the right time to finish my career, playing at the highest level,” he said of his decision to retire now.

Beckham’s decision to retire brings to an end a very successful career in professional soccer (or football as it is known in Europe and other countries). The once captain of England’s national team has won league titles in Spain, Italy, and England and holds the record for making 115 international appearances as an outfield player.

With reference to Beckham’s contractual opportunity to purchase a soccer franchise, Dan Courtemanche, MLS executive vice-president of communications, has this to say: “At some point in time he will exercise that option and we can go through the process of making sure it is the perfect fit for David and Major League Soccer but we are not there yet.”

Do you think David Beckham would make a good MLS owner?

[Image credit: Ian C]