MLS purchases Chivas USA from Jorge Vergara
Oct 26, 2013; Carson, CA, USA; Chivas USA fans reveal a banner during the game between the Chivas USA and Portland Timbers during the first half at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Earlier this week, Aaron Rench reported that a possible rebranding could be in the works for Chivas USA. Well, now it is official: Chivas will go through a transition period once again. On Thursday, MLS announced that it has purchased Chivas USA from Jorge Vergara and Angelica Fuentes.
Effective immediately, MLS will assume responsibility for operating the club. MLS will appoint an experienced sports executive shortly to serve as the president of Chivas USA during this interim period. The club will play as Chivas USA during the 2014 MLS season and will be rebranded with a new team name and logo in connection with the sale to a new owner, along with a new stadium.
“We thank Jorge Vergara and Angelica Fuentes for their significant commitment to Major League Soccer,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. “Jorge was an early believer in the league and he and Angelica have been great partners in MLS. We collectively agreed that it is best to sell the club to new owners who are committed to securing a new stadium and providing MLS with a strong rival for the LA Galaxy.”
“When Angelica and I gained full operational control of the team for the first time 15 months ago, we were hopeful we would be able to turn it around,” said Mr. Vergara. “However, there is only one Chivas de Guadalajara, and we have realized that it will require more time, further resources, and a level of commitment that would divert too much of our focus from our other business interests. We explored opportunities to sell to other groups, but we believe selling the franchise to MLS on an expedited basis is in the best interests of all parties, including the team’s players and its dedicated fans.
“MLS has assured us they are committed to keeping the club in Los Angeles and finding the right owners to make the team successful in the future. We greatly appreciate the leadership and collaboration of Don Garber and his colleagues at MLS, which resulted in an efficient transaction that benefits all the parties involved.”
Chivas USA has played its home games at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., since debuting in 2005 and will continue to play there in 2014. However, a new stadium will be required for the rebranded club next season, which will be the new home for the team.