Inter Miami CF, one of the most exciting teams in Major League Soccer, has captured fans’ attention since joining the league. Many soccer enthusiasts wonder about the people behind this ambitious club that has transformed Miami’s sports landscape.
Inter Miami CF is currently owned by three key figures: Jorge Mas (managing owner), his brother Jose Mas, and global soccer icon David Beckham. Together, they form the complete ownership group of the club.
The ownership structure has evolved since the team’s founding. Originally, the ownership group included additional partners like Marcelo Claure and Masayoshi Son. However, in 2021, the Mas brothers finalized a buyout to take over majority ownership, leaving the current trio as the sole owners. This move solidified their vision for building a world-class soccer organization in South Florida.
David Beckham’s involvement has been particularly notable, as his original MLS contract as a player included an option to purchase an expansion franchise at a discounted rate. This clause helped birth Inter Miami, with the Mas brothers bringing local business expertise to complement Beckham’s global soccer connections. Together, they’ve created a club that’s quickly becoming a major force in American soccer.
Key Takeaways
- Jorge Mas, Jose Mas, and David Beckham are the current sole owners of Inter Miami CF, with the Mas brothers holding the majority stake.
- The ownership group changed in 2021 when the Mas brothers and Beckham bought out former partners Marcelo Claure and Masayoshi Son.
- Inter Miami’s ownership combines local Miami business leadership with international soccer expertise to build the club’s presence in MLS.
Ownership Overview
Inter Miami CF, one of Major League Soccer’s most exciting teams, is owned by a small group of well-connected businesspeople and sports figures. The ownership structure includes three main partners who guide the club’s vision and operations.
David Beckham is perhaps the most famous face of Inter Miami’s ownership. The former soccer superstar is a key part of the group and helped bring the team to life through his vision for soccer in Miami.
The Mas brothers – Jorge and Jose Mas – are the majority owners of the club. Jorge serves as the managing owner, while Jose also plays an important role in the club’s leadership and decision-making.
Originally, the ownership group included additional partners such as Marcelo Claure and Masayoshi Son (also known as Masa Son). However, the team’s ownership has evolved over time.
In an important development, the Mas brothers and Beckham increased their ownership stakes in the club. This move strengthened their control over Inter Miami’s future direction.
The owners bring different strengths to the table. Beckham contributes his global soccer knowledge and star power, while the Mas brothers provide business expertise and local connections in Miami.
Founding of Inter Miami
Inter Miami CF began as a dream that turned into reality through the determination of soccer icon David Beckham and business leader Jorge Mas. Their vision brought Major League Soccer (MLS) to South Florida.
Role of David Beckham
David Beckham’s journey with Inter Miami started way back in 2014. When he signed with the LA Galaxy in 2007, his contract included an option to own an MLS expansion team for just $25 million – much less than the normal price!
After retiring as a player, Beckham exercised this option and announced in 2014 that he would bring professional soccer to Miami. But the road wasn’t easy. He faced many challenges finding a suitable stadium location and securing investors.
Beckham remained determined despite these setbacks. His global brand and soccer expertise were crucial to the project. His celebrity status helped attract attention to the new club both in America and internationally.
Contribution of Jorge Mas
Jorge Mas joined the ownership group in 2017, bringing much-needed local business expertise and connections. As chairman of MasTec, a major infrastructure company, Mas had deep ties to the Miami community and the business skills to make the team financially viable.
Mas and his brother Jose became majority owners after finalizing a buyout of other partners Marcelo Claure and Masayoshi Son in 2021. Jorge took on the role of managing owner, handling day-to-day operations.
His vision helped secure the Fort Lauderdale site for the team’s stadium, now called Chase Stadium. Mas was also instrumental in navigating the complex political landscape of Miami to help the club establish roots in the community.
The Mas brothers’ local influence complemented Beckham’s global appeal, creating a powerful partnership that finally brought MLS soccer to Miami after years of effort.
Inter Miami’s Strategic Partners
Inter Miami CF has built strong relationships with key partners that help the club grow and connect with fans. These partnerships span across media, broadcasting, sporting goods, and apparel sectors, creating a solid foundation for the club’s expansion.
Media and Broadcast Partners
Inter Miami’s media partnerships play a crucial role in bringing the excitement of matches to fans everywhere. The club has secured important broadcasting deals that increase visibility and fan engagement.
One of the most significant partnerships is with Apple TV through the MLS Season Pass. This groundbreaking deal allows fans to watch every Inter Miami match without blackouts, bringing Lionel Messi and his teammates into homes worldwide.
Local coverage is strengthened through regional media outlets that provide match analysis, player interviews, and behind-the-scenes content. These partners help create buzz around the team’s activities and developments.
Baptist Health continues as Inter Miami CF’s Official Medical Team, providing essential health services to players and staff. This partnership ensures the squad receives top-quality care throughout the season.
Sporting Goods and Apparel
Adidas stands as Inter Miami’s primary kit and apparel partner, designing the club’s distinctive pink and black uniforms. This partnership extends beyond just matchday kits to include training gear, casual wear, and fan merchandise.
The Adidas-designed products feature Inter Miami’s iconic heron logo and vibrant colors, allowing fans to proudly display their support. Special edition items often celebrate key moments in the club’s history or spotlight star players.
Inter Miami’s retail strategy includes both online shops and physical stores at their stadium. This makes it easy for supporters to purchase official merchandise and show their loyalty.
The club has also developed partnerships with sporting goods retailers to increase the availability of official products throughout South Florida and beyond.
Team Management and Performance
Inter Miami’s leadership structure has evolved since its founding, with several coaches guiding the team through its early years in MLS. The club has experienced both challenges and achievements as it establishes itself in American soccer.
Head Coaches Tenure
Inter Miami began its MLS journey with Diego Alonso at the helm for their inaugural 2020 season. The Uruguayan coach led the team through a difficult first year during the pandemic, finishing 10th in the Eastern Conference.
In January 2021, former Manchester United defender Phil Neville replaced Alonso. Neville’s tenure lasted until June 2023, when the club decided to make another change after inconsistent results.
The turning point came when Gerardo “Tata” Martino took over in 2023. The experienced Argentine coach, who previously managed Barcelona and the Mexican national team, brought stability to the club. His arrival coincided with Lionel Messi joining the team, creating a new era for Inter Miami.
Team Achievements
Despite being a young franchise, Inter Miami has already experienced some notable successes. The team’s biggest achievement came in 2023 when they won the Leagues Cup, their first-ever trophy.
This victory qualified Inter Miami for the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup, marking their first appearance in international competition. The club has shown steady improvement in MLS standings each year since their founding.
Under Martino’s guidance and with Messi joining the team, Inter Miami has transformed into one of the most watched teams in American soccer. Their style of play has evolved to showcase more attacking football.
The team continues to build toward long-term success with a mix of international stars and developing talent. Their ambition to become one of MLS’s premier franchises is clear from both their on-field performance and off-field investments.
Key Players and Staff
Inter Miami CF has attracted world-class talent to its roster since joining MLS. The club’s ownership group led by David Beckham has successfully recruited some of football’s biggest stars to South Florida.
Lionel Messi’s Rumored Transfer
Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023 after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, making him the biggest signing in MLS history. The Argentine superstar brought his incredible skill and global fanbase to the club, instantly transforming Inter Miami’s profile both on and off the field.
Messi’s arrival came after an illustrious career at Barcelona where he won numerous titles and personal accolades. His connection with Inter Miami owner David Beckham played a significant role in his decision to join the Florida club.
The World Cup winner’s salary package reportedly includes revenue-sharing agreements with Apple TV and Adidas, making it one of the most unique contracts in sports history.
Other Notable Players
Inter Miami has assembled an impressive supporting cast around Messi. The club reunited him with several former Barcelona teammates, creating a mini-Barça reunion in MLS.
Sergio Busquets, the brilliant Spanish midfielder, joined shortly after Messi. His exceptional passing ability and tactical intelligence have elevated the team’s midfield.
Jordi Alba, the speedy left-back, also made the move to Miami, continuing his productive partnership with Messi on the left side of the attack.
Luis Suárez completed the Barcelona quartet by signing with Inter Miami, reconnecting with his close friend Messi to recreate one of football’s most devastating attacking partnerships.
These signings demonstrate the club owners’ ambition to build not just a competitive team, but a global football brand.
Stadium and Facilities
Inter Miami CF has invested in creating top-tier facilities for players and fans. The team currently plays in Fort Lauderdale but has plans for a permanent home in Miami.
DRV PNK Stadium
Inter Miami CF currently plays its home matches at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. This venue became the club’s temporary home when they joined MLS.
The Fort Lauderdale City Commission approved a 50-year lease agreement with Inter Miami for the Lockhart Stadium site in July 2019. This decision was unanimous, showing strong local support for the team’s presence.
While DRV PNK Stadium serves as Inter Miami’s current home, the club has bigger plans for the future. The team is working on Miami Freedom Park, which will become their permanent stadium.
The exciting news is that Inter Miami plans to move to their Miami location in 2026. The club describes this move as “coming home,” fulfilling their long-term vision.
A major development occurred when JPMorgan Chase announced a naming rights partnership for the current stadium. The stadium will now be called Chase Stadium.
Economic Impact on Miami
Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami has created a massive economic boom for both the club and the city.
Since joining in July 2023, Messi has helped Inter Miami nearly double their revenue.
The numbers are truly impressive! Inter Miami’s annual revenue jumped from $60 million in 2023 to a whopping $200 million – that’s a 233% increase in just one year.
The “Messi Effect” goes beyond just the club. Miami’s entire economy has benefited from his star power, with increased tourism and business activity throughout the region.
Forbes estimates that Inter Miami’s value could increase by 30% following Messi’s inclusion. This mirrors what happened when he joined other clubs throughout his career.
Messi’s $150 million, two-and-a-half-year deal with Inter Miami has transformed MLS’s profile globally, attracting new fans to American soccer.
The impact extends to international business as well. Miami has seen a boost in its appeal to foreign investors, with Messi’s presence attracting more international attention.
Ticket prices, merchandise sales, and television rights have all seen significant increases since Messi joined Inter Miami.
Local businesses near the stadium have also benefited from increased match-day traffic.
