Former USMNT and Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard has joined the ownership group of MLS’ Houston Dynamo FC and NWSL’s Houston Dash.
The group, led by chairman and majority owner Ted Segal, also operates Shell Energy Stadium, Houston Sports Park and Dynamo and Dash Charities. Segal acquired a majority ownership interest in the group in June 2021.
Financial terms were not provided, but the investment was made at a $700 million valuation, according to people familiar with the matter. Per Sportico’s MLS valuations, Houston Dynamo are valued at $550 million, and the Houston Dash are valued at $50 million, according to Sportico’s NWSL valuations.
“[Howard’s] extensive experience across all levels of soccer brings invaluable expertise to our efforts in expanding and engaging the fan bases of the Dash and Dynamo,” Jessica O’Neill, the president of business operations at the Houston Dash and Dynamo, wrote in an email. “Houston—a vibrant soccer city with a profound passion for the global game, exemplified by the success of the recent Copa America matches hosted here—offers an exciting platform.”
Howard is the latest big-name investor in the franchise, joining NBA star James Harden and Verance Capital founder and CEO Lyle Ayes, who serves as the Dynamo’s vice chairman. Howard, a National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee, was part of the ownership group that founded Memphis 901 FC in the United Soccer League (USL) in 2018. He served as the club’s sporting director for five years and has since exited the club, stepping down from his position as sporting director in June.
“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 said in a statement. “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.”
Howard played five seasons in MLS for the Metro Stars, followed by 13 seasons in the English Premier League from 2003 to 2016 with Manchester United and Everton. He returned to MLS in 2016 to play for the Colorado Rapids before retiring in 2020. He also represented the USMNT from 2002 to 2017, winning the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2007 and 2017. He finished with eight appearances at the FIFA World Cup after he competed at the tournament in 2010 in South Africa and in 2014 in Brazil.
Howard has been an analyst for NBC Sports’ EPL coverage since 2013, becoming a full-time member in August 2020 after his retirement from professional soccer.
Both NWSL and MLS valuations have soared in the past year. The average team is valued at $678 million on the MLS side, according to Sportico’s latest valuations, and the average NWSL team is worth $66 million. Willow Bay, dean of USC’s journalism school and wife of Disney CEO Bob Iger, was said earlier this month to be nearing a deal to purchase NWSL’s Angel City FC at a deal that values the team at $250 million.
