A’s Fisher sells MLS Earthquakes for reported $625M

Athletics owner John Fisher is selling the MLS San Jose Earthquakes for a reported $625 million just over a year before his MLB team relocates to Las Vegas in 2028.

Heath Freeman, a sport, media and real estate executive, is acquiring the team from Fisher after the MLS board of governors on Friday unanimously approved the deal, the team announced. The transaction is expected to close in the coming weeks.

Fisher has owned the Earthquakes since 2007, when he and Lew Wolff brought the team back after a two-year hiatus. Fisher privately financed the construction of PayPal Park during his time as owner.

“My family and I have loved owning this club for almost 20 years, and we are extremely grateful for the support of our amazing fans as well as the hard work of all of our coaches, players and staff,” Fisher said in a statement. “We have so many great memories, from our first game back in 2008, the incredible stadium groundbreaking ceremony, winning the Supporters’ Shield and seeing Wondo break the MLS record with four goals in the pouring rain. Heath shares our belief in this club and this community, and he brings the ambition and commitment to take the Quakes forward. Thank you, San Jose.”

MLS Commissioner Don Garber thanked Fisher for his almost two decades at the helm of the Earthquakes that saw the team make the playoffs six times.

“John has been a great partner and a good friend, and his leadership and investment helped build a strong foundation for the club,” Garber said.

Freeman is president of Alden Global Capital LLC, serves as chairman of Tribune Enterprises LLC, which owns and manages newspapers, including The Chicago Tribune and South Florida Sun Sentinel, and is vice chairman of MNG Enterprises, Inc., which manages the Boston Herald, Denver Post and San Jose Mercury News.

Freeman also serves as managing partner of the Florida Freedom PBR team and is executive chairman of the AVP beach volleyball league.

“Our vision is simple — winning on and off the field for San Jose and the entire region,” Freeman said in a statement. “The Bay Area is home to some of the world’s great institutions, sports franchises and leaders. The standard has been set.”

Fisher and his family moved from the Bay Area to Las Vegas last year, in anticipation of the A’s beginning to play in its under construction $2.1 billion, 33,000-fan capacity ballpark in 2028 on the Strip.

Contact Mick Akers at [email protected] or 702-387-2920. Follow @mickakers on X.