Giovanni Reyna Joins Ft. Lauderdale United FC Ownership
Giovanni Reyna, a midfielder for Borussia Mönchengladbach and the United States men’s national soccer team, has become part of the ownership group for Ft. Lauderdale United FC. This soccer organization, which currently has a women’s team actively competing in the USL Super League, is poised to introduce a men’s team that will participate in USL League One starting next season.
Reyna’s investment is part of a broader financing effort that includes other contributors, which has increased the club’s valuation to an impressive $55 million, as stated by majority owner Tommy Smith.
“We are beyond thrilled to welcome Gio Reyna into the Fort Lauderdale United family,” said Smith in a press release.
He emphasized that this new investment underscores the organization’s significant potential and reinforces its standing within the American soccer community. The club is known for its robust youth development program and its advanced training facilities, which utilize the historic Miami Dolphins training site at Nova Southeastern University, featuring a stadium that seats 7,000 spectators.
Youth Development and Future Plans
Currently, Ft. Lauderdale United supports youth soccer teams starting at the U-11 level, with plans to expand to even younger age groups next year. Additionally, the club is branching out into youth volleyball and has ambitions to launch a women’s professional volleyball team by 2027.
Smith elaborated on the necessity of attracting external investment to secure the club’s financial stability and growth.
“I invested my own resources into building the infrastructure… to bring someone like Gio on board is not just smart financially, but it also brings validation to our efforts to generate revenue and grow our teams and facilities,” he remarked in a conversation with ESPN.
Connection to Reyna
The connection to Reyna was made possible through Hassan Pinto, another owner, who has had long-standing ties to Gio’s family. Pinto played youth soccer alongside Gio’s father, Claudio Reyna, and was acquainted with his mother, Danielle, during their time at UNC-Chapel Hill. This familial link ultimately facilitated Reyna’s involvement in the club.
Reyna’s Vision and Impact
For the 22-year-old Reyna, this endeavor is seen as an initial step into the sports business landscape, allowing him to gather experience for potential post-playing career opportunities. In his own words,
“What really attracted me to Ft. Lauderdale United was the ownership’s inclusive vision. They are not merely establishing two professional teams; they are creating a comprehensive development ecosystem, nurturing talent from youth all the way to the professional level.”
Reyna pointed to the vibrant South Florida environment and the club’s cutting-edge facilities as key factors in his decision to invest.
As Reyna joins the ranks of other American soccer players like Tyler Adams, who recently invested in Westchester SC, the implications of his involvement are significant. Ft. Lauderdale United’s general manager, Tyrone Mears, expressed heightened enthusiasm about Reyna’s name recognition and influence, particularly among younger fans.
“These connections are invaluable, especially with the younger demographic, and we believe Gio will play a crucial role in engaging that audience,” Mears stated.
Current Season Performance
In their last season, Ft. Lauderdale United reached the USL Super League playoffs but fell short in the finals. Currently, they are positioned second in the league standings after four matches this season.
