Nets' Kevin Durant Purchases 5 Percent Stake in MLS' Philadelphia Union
Jun 4, 2020
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 10: Kevin Durant looks on during a game at the Staples Center on March 10, 2020 in Los Angeles, CA. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Credit: 2020 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
Mark J. Burns of Sports Business Daily first reported June 4 that Durant would join the Union as a minority shareholder.
Durant said in a release:
"I'm excited to partner with the Philadelphia Union for years to come. My team and I connected instantly with the Union coaching staff and leadership, as well as the team's story. Off the pitch, I'm looking forward to working in the Chester and Philadelphia communities and making an impact in the same way that the KDCF has been able to in my hometown of Prince George's County."
Pablo Maurer of The Athletic initially reported Dec. 28 that Durant's Thirty Five Ventures met with the Union, who confirmed that a meeting took place:
Kevin Durant was indeed at the Philadelphia Union offices today meeting with club ownership. You’ll recall I’ve written about KD’s interest in purchasing a piece of #DCU. Statement from the Union: “We entertained 35 Ventures for a meeting with Union Ownership.” #DOOPhttps://t.co/7U5iBrMvsS
Per Chris Smith of Forbes, the Union were valued at $240 million in November 2019, a surge from $175 million the year before.
Durant's stake comes less than a year after Maurer reported that the 10-time All-Star twice attempted to buy a stake in his hometown D.C. United, once in 2012 and again in 2018.
Durant has expressed interest in team ownership in the past, telling Field Yates and Matthew Berry on ESPN's Fantasy Focus podcast (h/t AJ Neuharth-Keusch of USA Today) that he would like to own an NFL team someday.
Philadelphia Union Announce Unnamed Player Tested Positive for Coronavirus
Apr 1, 2020
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 21: An official MLS match ball is seen on the pitch during warm-up prior to the MLS match between the Houston Dynamo and the Los Angeles Galaxy at StubHub Center on March 21, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. The Dynamo and the Galaxy played to a 1-1 draw. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)
A member of the Philadelphia Union tested positive for COVID-19, the team announced Wednesday.
"The Union medical staff has been working directly with Crozer-Keystone Health System medical officials to treat the player who experienced mild symptoms and is feeling well and in good spirits," the Union said. "The player is observing the appropriate isolation protocols. No other cases or symptoms within Philadelphia Union soccer operations have been identified at this time."
Like many other sports leagues, MLS shut down play indefinitely amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The Seattle Sounders had the first reported COVID-19 case within MLS when theyconfirmeda member of their support staff tested positive. New York City FCannouncedan employee within their sporting department was diagnosed as well.
MLSannouncedMarch 19 the 2020 season is on hold through at least May 10 after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended avoiding any events with 50 or more people for eight weeks.
League commissioner Don Garber appeared on ESPN'sGet Upto reiterate plans to stage a normal 34-game regular season. He added that officials would be comfortable pushing the end of the playoffs until mid-December.
According toJeff Carlisle of ESPN, MLS believes it could restart in mid-July and still allow for a full season that would wrap up on Dec. 12 or Dec. 19.
Yahoo Sports'Doug McIntyrereported the league plans to reduce the salaries for most of its employees and will institute a hiring freeze during the pandemic.
Ex-Eagles, Dolphins RB Jay Ajayi Signs with Philadelphia Union as EMLS Player
Jan 7, 2020
Philadelphia Eagles' Jay Ajayi warms up before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)
NFL running back Jay Ajayi is taking on a second job with the Philadelphia Union as a member of the eMLS League Series One.
"Philadelphia holds a special place in my heart so I am blessed to be able to represent the city in the esports realm and to become one of the first pro athletes to become a professional gamer. It combines two of my passions, soccer and gaming. I'm a competitor, so you're going to see me give my all for the Union at every eMLS event this year."
The third season of eMLS will begin in Philadelphia on Jan. 10. Ajayi is one of 25 professional FIFA 20 players taking part in the league, with gamers earning points at three events that give them a chance to take part in the FIFA eWorld Cup.
Ajayi is currently an NFL free agent after being released by the Philadelphia Eagles in December. The 26-year-old has played in 45 career games between the Eagles and Miami Dolphins since being drafted in 2015. He ran for a career high 1,272 yards with the Dolphins in 2016 and won a Super Bowl with Philadelphia in 2017.
MLS' Alejandro Bedoya Urges Congress Action on Gun Violence After Scoring Goal
Aug 4, 2019
LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 30: Alejandro Bedoya #11 of Philadelphia Union looks on during the MLS match at Banc of California Stadium on June 30, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles FC defeated the Philadelphia Union 4-1. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)
Philadelphia Union midfielder Alejandro Bedoya used his celebration to send a message to Congress when he scored in the third minute against D.C. United on Sunday.
Bedoya beat D.C. goalkeeper Bill Hamid with a low shot into the bottom-left corner.
And just like that Philadelphia take the lead!
Alejandro Bedoya finds the back of the net just 3 minutes into the match and puts the Union on 🔝 pic.twitter.com/txg3aYeN4m
At least 34 people died this week when gunmen opened fire in four cities across the country. The most recent shooting occurred Sunday in Dayton, Ohio, which left nine people dead.
During the Union's 2-0 win over the New England Revolution on March 3, 2018, Bedoya also honored the victims of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
A great win last night! Wore this to support families affected by the tragic event in Parkland. Grew up 15 min. from Douglas. I grieve with those families but I’ve also been very inspired by movement they’ve started. Thank you for your courage & keep on keepin’ on! #MSDStrong❤️ pic.twitter.com/Wd88iWk9b5
