The ownership landscape of Major League Soccer’s Sporting Kansas City is poised for a significant shift. Since 2006, the Illig family has held the reins of the team, but now they have decided to part with a majority stake, selling to an existing limited partner. This transaction, valued at approximately $700 million, is set to establish a new benchmark as the highest price ever paid for a majority stake in MLS history, according to multiple league sources speaking with Forbes.
This deal, which hinges on the final assessment of the franchise’s debt, marks a pivotal moment as the league gears up for its 31st season in February. Sporting KC was valued at $650 million by Forbes last year, ranking it 16th in the league. This valuation followed an estimated revenue generation of $75 million in 2024.
Under the terms of the agreement, the Illigs will sell 71% of the team, retaining a modest stake just below 10%, sources reveal. The buyer, whose identity remains undisclosed, will hold approximately 80% of Sporting KC. On Friday, the club’s website listed fellow owners alongside the Illigs, including the Patterson family, Greg Maday, the Curran family, Robb Heineman, and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. However, this information was removed by Friday evening.
Despite the significant change in ownership distribution, the Illigs will continue in their roles as governor and alternate governor, at least for now. Traditionally, MLS mandates that the control person in a franchise hold a minimum of 35%, although there have been exceptions, such as with LAFC’s diverse ownership group.
Sporting Kansas City issued a statement confirming the stability of their management and ownership structure, noting that the shareholders of OnGoal LLC, the team’s parent company, remain unchanged since 2022. The club refrained from discussing “specific shareholder matters or ownership participation levels.”
“We can confirm that there have been no changes in the management of the club, and no changes in the club’s ownership participation in MLS governance or league activities,” the statement asserted. “The Illig family continues to lead the club’s shareholder group, manage the club day-to-day, and represent Sporting Kansas City on the MLS board of governors.”
“We can confirm that there have been no changes in the management of the club, and no changes in the club’s ownership participation in MLS governance or league activities,” the statement said. “The Illig family continues to lead the club’s shareholder group, manage the club day to day, and represent Sporting Kansas City on the MLS board of governors.”
MLS declined to comment.
Over the past few years, MLS valuations have risen steadily, to an average of $690 million in 2025, up 19% from 2023’s $579 million. Last year, three clubs exceeded $1 billion, with LAFC leading the ranking at $1.25 billion.
In Control: Clifford Illig and his family, who have owned Sporting KC since 2006, are set to retain their position on MLS’s board of governors.
Rich Sugg/Kansas City Star/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
