It’s official: New York City real-estate developer Ted Segal is purchasing a majority share of the Houston Dynamo, Houston Dash (NWSL) and the lease to BBVA Stadium.
In addition to his ownership role, Segal will serve on the MLS Board of Governors. Limited partner investors Gabriel Brener, Oscar De La Hoya, Ben Guill and James Harden will retain minority stakes in the operation.
“As someone with a lifelong passion for soccer, having the opportunity to invest in professional soccer in Houston – a dynamic, diverse and growing city with such a storied history in professional sports is truly exciting,” Segal said via press release. “The interest and passion for soccer in Houston are clear. The Dynamo and Dash have incredibly devoted fans that have supported championship clubs, Houston is a go-to destination for hosting major international soccer games, and there’s a great group of leaders making a strong case for Houston to deservedly serve as a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. I am honored to join the Club and its great supporters as the sport continues to ascend in the region and throughout the United States.”
Segal is founder and president of EJS Group, a New York City-based real estate development and financing company that invests directly in real estate development opportunities across primary markets in the United States, with an emphasis on the New York metropolitan area. Prior to founding EJS, Segal was a Vice President at LS Power Equity Advisors, where he led corporate transactions and project development opportunities in the U.S. power generation sector. Mr. Segal was previously an associate at Latham & Watkins LLP, where he worked in the project finance practice group and represented developers, private equity sponsors and financial institutions in project financings and acquisition financings, with a principal focus on the power generation sector.
In sports, he is the co-founder and chairman of Verance Capital, an investment vehicle that provides early and growth-stage capital for sports, media and live entertainment businesses. Segal is also an investor in and member of the board of directors of the Professional Fighters League, an MMA league with a differentiated full-season format that has attracted $175 million in funding.
“We are pleased to welcome Ted to the MLS family and I am confident that he will be a strong leader for the Dynamo and a strong and committed supporter of the sport in such an important market for Major League Soccer,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said via press release. “I’ve known Ted for a number of years and believe that his passion for the sport and disciplined and thoughtful approach to building and leading businesses will translate well for the future growth and success of the Dynamo, our league and the sport of soccer in the Houston market.”
“We welcome Ted to an expanding group of prominent owners in the NWSL,” NWSL Commissioner Lisa Baird said via press release. “Ted is joining at an exciting time as we continue to see the league grow across the United States. I look forward to working with Ted and his team as he supports the Dash during this exciting new chapter and promotes the growth of the women’s game in Houston.”
Photo of Ted Segal and Don Garber courtesy MLS.
RELATED STORIES: Houston Dynamo sale in the works