### San Jose Earthquakes Owner John Fisher Initiates Sale of MLS Club The San Jose Earthquakes, a founding club of Major League Soccer (MLS), are officially on the market as owner John Fisher has announced his intention to sell the team. This decision comes after nearly two decades of ownership, during which the Earthquakes have experienced a mix of successes and challenges. Fisher, who also owns the Oakland Athletics in Major League Baseball, has hired the investment bank Moelis & Co. to assist in the sale process, indicating a significant shift in the club's future direction. The Earthquakes are currently valued at approximately $600 million, according to recent reports, and Fisher's decision to sell is speculated to be influenced by his financial commitments related to the Athletics' relocation plans to Las Vegas by 2028 [https://apnews.com/article/mls-san-jose-earthquakes-sale-604b27a15851a4469998d80b8774dc95][https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/report-earthquakes-owner-john-fisher-sell-team-2025-06-18]. ### Breakdown of the Sale Announcement and Context 1. **Announcement of Sale**: John Fisher confirmed the sale of the San Jose Earthquakes on June 18, 2025, marking a pivotal moment for the franchise [https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/45538304/san-jose-earthquakes-owner-john-fisher-sell-team]. 2. **Role of Moelis & Co.**: The investment bank Moelis & Co. has been engaged to facilitate the sale, indicating a structured approach to finding potential buyers [https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/san-jose-earthquakes-ownership-announces-sales-process]. 3. **Fisher's Ownership Background**: Fisher has owned the Earthquakes since 2008, during which the team has made five playoff appearances and won the Supporters' Shield in 2012 [https://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/controlling_share_in_san_jose_earthquakes_up_for_sale/s1_17064_42344195]. 4. **Financial Context**: The Earthquakes are valued at around $600 million, a figure that reflects both the team's market position and the broader financial landscape of MLS [https://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/report_earthquakes_owner_john_fisher_to_sell_team/s1_17064_42342388]. 5. **Speculation on Motivations**: There is speculation that Fisher's decision to sell the Earthquakes may be linked to funding his share of the $1.75 billion cost associated with relocating the Athletics to Las Vegas [https://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/controlling_share_in_san_jose_earthquakes_up_for_sale/s1_17064_42344195]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Team Valuation**: The San Jose Earthquakes are valued at **$600 million** as of January 2025, ranking them 20th among MLS teams [https://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/report_earthquakes_owner_john_fisher_to_sell_team/s1_17064_42342388]. - **Ownership Timeline**: Fisher has owned the Earthquakes since **2008**, during which the team has had a mixed performance record, including five playoff appearances [https://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/controlling_share_in_san_jose_earthquakes_up_for_sale/s1_17064_42344195]. - **Attendance Issues**: The Earthquakes had the **third-lowest attendance** in the league last year, highlighting challenges in fan engagement and revenue generation [https://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/report_earthquakes_owner_john_fisher_to_sell_team/s1_17064_42342388]. ### Conclusion: Implications of the Sale for the Earthquakes and MLS The decision by John Fisher to sell the San Jose Earthquakes marks a significant turning point for the franchise and could have broader implications for MLS. 1. **Ownership Transition**: The sale process, led by Moelis & Co., will likely attract various potential buyers, which could lead to new investment and strategies for the team. 2. **Financial Considerations**: Fisher's motivations appear tied to his financial obligations with the Athletics, suggesting that the sale could be a strategic move to stabilize his overall portfolio [https://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/controlling_share_in_san_jose_earthquakes_up_for_sale/s1_17064_42344195]. 3. **Future of the Franchise**: The outcome of this sale could redefine the Earthquakes' operational strategies, fan engagement, and overall competitiveness in the league [https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/san-jose-earthquakes-ownership-announces-sales-process]. In summary, the sale of the San Jose Earthquakes is a pivotal moment that could reshape the future of the club and its place within Major League Soccer.