Tim Howard, a former U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) goalkeeper, now has ownership in a soccer league.
ESPN reports Howard joined Houston Dynamo FC’s ownership group on July 16, 2024. By default, Howard now also becomes a minority investor in the National Women’s Soccer League’s Houston Dash.
“We are proud to welcome Tim Howard to our ownership group at the Houston Dash and Houston Dynamo,” Dynamo majority owner Ted Segal said in a news release, according to ESPN. “His wealth of experience across soccer, both as a player at the highest levels and subsequently as a sporting director and media analyst, will be invaluable within ownership as we continue to build a competitive and successful organization. Moreover, Tim’s commitment to using his unique platform to positively impact communities in need aligns with the values of our organization.”
Howard’s new position as an investor comes after his 2024 induction into the National Soccer Hall of Fame. The honor recognizes his 121 caps earned while playing for the USMNT during the FIFA World Cup tournaments in 2010 and 2014, and receiving victories in the Concacaf Gold Cup in 2007 and 2017, ESPN notes.
His career includes playing for MLS’ Colorado Rapids (2016-19) and MetroStars (1998-2003), as well as in England’s Premier League for Manchester United and Everton, per the outlet.
“As someone who has dedicated my life to the sport of soccer, I am thrilled to join the Houston Dash and Dynamo ownership group,” Howard explained in the news release. “This opportunity allows me to further contribute to the growth of the game in the United States and connect with the passionate soccer fans who call Houston home.”
Joining the Houston Dynamo FC ownership group, Howard will be in good company. NBA player James Harden of the Houston Rockets became an investor with the ownership group in 2019, Sports Illustrated reports.
“I’m very excited about the opportunity to join the ownership group of the Houston Dynamo and Houston Dash and proud to be a part of a club with tremendous history and a great future,” Harden mentioned at the time, according to Sports Illustrated. “Houston is my home now, and I saw this as a way to invest in my city and expand my business interests at the same time. Soccer in general, and especially MLS, have exploded in this country throughout my lifetime. I’ve been a fan of the game for several years, and I know that Houston has a massive soccer fanbase, so it was an easy decision for me when this opportunity arose.”
