KKR
Soccer, but make it private equity
KKR and Major League Soccer just announced a strategic investment aimed at speeding up the growth of MLS NEXT Pro. In plain English: the firm is putting capital behind a league platform that’s trying to become more than just a developmental side quest.
The two sides also formed Hometown Soccer Holdings, a new platform that will act as the commercial engine for MLS NEXT Pro. That sounds very corporate, because it is — but the real point is growth. Think stadium development in new communities, new club brands, and a more polished path for teams tied to MLS.
Why investors should care
This is the kind of move KKR likes: relatively early, asset-backed, and tied to a broader ecosystem that can be scaled. If MLS NEXT Pro gets more valuable as a commercial property, KKR gets exposure to the upside without having to own a whole soccer empire outright.
- More community-based stadium projects could mean more local monetization opportunities
- New club brands can create more inventory for sponsorships and media deals
- A stronger development pipeline can make MLS’s broader soccer machine look more durable
The bigger play
No, this isn’t a blockbuster acquisition or a earnings-day fireworks show. But it does reinforce the KKR playbook: find a growth story, add capital and structure, then try to turn “promising” into “profitable.” Soccer may be the world’s game, but private equity clearly wants a seat at the table too.
Big picture: KKR isn’t just buying assets anymore — it’s helping build the stadium, the brand, and the business model behind them.