Chapter 413: MLS

Philip Anschutz was nearly 70 years old, and had appeared on the Forbes Billionaires List for over thirty years consecutively, making him a seasoned tycoon.

His stake in the Los Angeles Lakers also made the team highly notable, and the Staples Center, co-built with the Los Angeles city government, had become a prominent landmark of Los Angeles over the past decade.

The Millennium Dome in London, where Charles Capet enjoyed watching the Thames River fireworks last year, was also an asset of AEG Entertainment.

The Bel-Air Country Club in the Westwood area, close to UCLA, was not far from the Los Angeles Country Club in Beverly Hills.

In a grand estate, Philip Anschutz held a special banquet, and Charles attended it.

"Charles, really not interested in the MLS?" Philip Anschutz, of course, hoped for Charles Capet's involvement.

Not only would Charles Capet's financial strength be a boon for the struggling MLS, but his status in Hollywood would also attract more stars to his team.

Charles glanced at Philip Anschutz, who was sitting opposite him. Anschutz was one of MLS's biggest financial backers and founding figures.

The fact that MLS had survived its first decade was greatly owing to his efforts. Among the ten original teams, three were his: Chicago Fire, LA Galaxy, and San Jose Earthquakes.

However, in 2005, the San Jose Earthquakes moved to Houston and were renamed Houston Dynamo. But last year, the San Jose Earthquakes were reestablished and had already joined the league this year, reclaiming their history!

"MLS indeed faced tough times over these past years. Mr. Anschutz signing David Beckham was a brilliant move, greatly boosting MLS's international reputation," Charles said with a smile. He raised his glass and clinked it with Philip Anschutz's, glancing in the direction of David Beckham and his wife.

The bustling city of Los Angeles complemented the highly marketable Beckham couple perfectly!

"This year's addition of the San Jose Earthquakes marks the 13th team in the league, and next year, Seattle Sounders FC will be the 14th," Philip Anschutz continued.

"And there's also Philadelphia, Vancouver, and Cincinnati in talks. Charles, actually, back in the millennium, Florida had MLS teams - the Miami Fusion and Tampa Bay Mutiny - but both disbanded in 2001!"

Charles's eyes widened. Was Anschutz subtly implying that since Capet Sports and Entertainment already owned the NFL's Miami Dolphins, rebuilding an MLS team would be a piece of cake?

Plus, CSE also owned the Premier League's Arsenal FC!

"Miami, huh, it definitely could have a soccer team," Charles said, rubbing his chin.

Miami is not only a large market but also close to Latin America, where soccer is popular. Cities with large immigrant populations like Los Angeles, New York, and Miami have an advantage in attracting fans.

However, Miami's hot summers might be a challenge, given MLS's season runs from April to December.

Moreover, Miami already boasted NFL's Miami Dolphins, MLB's Florida Marlins, and NBA's Miami Heat. The competition was stiff!

Currently, joining MLS had its advantages too, with the franchise fee being quite low - $25 million would suffice. In five years, when Manchester City formed New York City FC, the registration fee was $100 million.

"Charles, give it some thought. You already own the Dolphins' stadium, which could directly serve as the home ground for an MLS team. While others might struggle with venue issues, it's not a problem for you!"

Philip Anschutz stood up, patted Charles on the shoulder, and laughed, "For now, just enjoy the party."

Charles nodded. Once Anschutz left, Charles began seriously considering starting an MLS team. Despite the current losses in MLS operations, they were minor.

Owning an MLS team himself could also mean signing some washed-up stars. LA Galaxy was the first club to turn a profit in MLS history!

"Charles, are you done talking?" Britney Spears approached Charles, affectionately hooking her arm around his.

Having just returned from her world wide concert tour, Britney Spears had also released a new album, making this a busy year for her.

Charles nodded. "Nothing major, just about some sports clubs!"

Among AEG Entertainment's assets, Charles was most envious of the 27% stake in the Los Angeles Lakers, and the 50% stake in the Staples Center. He wasn't too interested in the NHL's LA Kings or MLS's LA Galaxy.

The Buss family owned 66% of the Lakers, and Magic Johnson still seemed to own a percentage that hadn't been sold off.

Unfortunately, a person couldn't own shares in two NBA teams simultaneously. Charles was destined to own an NBA team, although leveraging Magic Johnson's percentage of Lakers shares to make some money wouldn't hurt.

After all, this guy was likely ready to liquidate those shares soon.

"Yep, I just saw Michael. He seemed confident about his upcoming concerts and is already preparing," Britney Spears mentioned Michael Jackson.

"Next year's Michael Jackson World Tour, huh," Charles mused. The news in August had been 10 concerts, but now, in early October, it had already become 20 concerts.

Michael Jackson's health had always been maintained by a significant amount of medication. AEG Entertainment certainly intended to squeeze every bit of value out of him. If memory served correctly, the number of concerts should have increased to 50.

Regrettably, he wouldn't even last till the start of next year.

"Michael's debts are massive. His Neverland Ranch has been mortgaged but it's nowhere near enough to pay off his debts, and his expenses are huge," Britney Spears knew quite a bit.

"AEG Entertainment runs his concerts to address his immediate issues."

"They're resolving issues?" Charles laughed. AEG Entertainment needed to make money too. The heavily indebted Michael Jackson had now lost even the only asset he had left, the Neverland Ranch.

The remaining asset Michael Jackson could mortgage to AEG Entertainment was his 50% stake in Sony ATV Music Publishing.

If he didn't hold concerts, his 50% stake in Sony ATV would be in jeopardy. Was retaining control over those shares worth losing his life?

Unfortunately, he didn't realize that within a few years after his death, those shares would be sold to Sony anyway.

*****

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