With Gio Reyna’s investment in Fort Lauderdale United FC, he’s joining a contingent who are growing the game across the United States
United States Men’s National Team and Borussia Mönchengladbach playmaker Gio Reyna was unveiled as the newest investor in the Gainbridge Super League and USL League One’s Fort Lauderdale United FC on Tuesday, joining the ownership group led by Tommy Smith.
It’s a new venture for the 22-year-old, who joins the nascent club at a time when it’s flying high in its second season in the Super League after reaching the Final in its inaugural campaign and preparing to join League One next spring.
“What truly sold me on Fort Lauderdale United was the ownership group’s comprehensive vision. They’re not just creating two professional teams; they’re building a complete ecosystem for player development, from the youth level all the way to the pros,” said Reyna in the club’s announcement. “Combining that with the fantastic South Florida location and state-of-the-art facilities, it became clear this was a perfect opportunity to not only invest in the club’s success but also to help develop the future of American soccer.”
Reyna is the latest current and former United States Men’s National Team player to be a current investor at a club in the USL ecosystem. Here are the teammates and USMNT legends he’s joining in investing in grassroots soccer across the United States.
1. Tyler Adams, Westchester SC
A USL Championship title-winner early in his illustrious career, Tyler Adams joined Westchester SC’s investors in January ahead of its inaugural season in USL League One this season. A native of Wappingers Falls, N.Y., the current USMNT and AFC Bournemouth star made an investment into the community that fomented his development before his arrival at the New York Red Bulls Academy, adding to his investment and role as Technical Director of USL League Two’s Hudson Valley Hammers.
“Westchester Soccer Club represents everything I value about the game—community, development, and opportunity,” said Adams. “Growing up in Dutchess County, I’ve seen firsthand how soccer can bring people together and inspire young players to dream big. Joining this ownership group is not only an honor but also an incredible chance to give back to the region that played such a huge role in my journey.”
2. DaMarcus Beasley, Fort Wayne FC
A member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame, and the only player to represent the United States Men’s National Team at four World Cups, DaMarcus Beasley was an initial investor in his hometown club as Fort Wayne FC joined USL League Two in 2021 with the ambition of moving to League One. Next spring the club will enter the professional ranks at its new 9,200-seat stadium located at Bass Road and I-69 with Beasley serving as its Director of Football Operations.
“For me, this is about giving back to the city that shaped my soccer journey,” said Beasley as the club announced its move to the professional ranks. “The excitement surrounding the stadium, and this announcement is incredible, and I know it will inspire our community and fans.”
3. Kasey Keller, Athletic Club Boise
A native of Olympia, Washington, legendary USMNT goalkeeper and National Soccer Hall of Fame member Kasey Keller has had a longtime connection to its neighboring state of Idaho. When he was presented with the idea of becoming an investor in 2026 USL League One arrival Athletic Club Boise, it came at the ideal time at the club that has already broken the USL’s record for season ticket deposits ahead of its inaugural season.
“The energy around this club is real,” said Keller. “I wasn’t able to make it to the crest launch, but hearing that nearly 5,000 people showed up to celebrate a badge – and spent their own money on merch a full year before kickoff – that tells you everything. That kind of community response doesn’t happen by accident. I’ve had a connection to Idaho for a long time, and joining this ownership group just made sense – it’s the right people, the right timing and the right place.”
- LEARN MORE: Kasey Keller and Brad Stith Are Taking USL By Storm With Athletic Club Boise – Urban Pitch
4. Kyle Martino, Atlético Dallas
Kyle Martino achieved plenty in his on-field career at Columbus Crew and LA Galaxy in addition to competing for the USMNT, but his post-playing career has seen him become a prominent advocate for accessibility to the game. Through the creation of Street FC, a street-soccer pickup platform active in cities across the U.S., and the Over Under Initiative, Martino has brought new ideas to the table. It matched the vision of Atlético Dallas Co-Founders Matt Valentine and Sam Morton, which resulted in Martino becoming an investor in the USL Championship club set to launch in the 2027 season.
“Joining the ownership group of Atlético is way more than a name joining a club, it’s about two missions joining forces to ensure Dallas’ place at the epicenter of football culture in the U.S. Matt and Sam are the type of leaders capable of creating movements,” said Martino. “Our visions for the future of football are aligned and so I’m honored to be part of this incredible project. I promise to bring everything I can to ensure Atlético’s lasting impact on the community it aims to serve.”
- LEARN MORE: Kyle Martino joining Atlético Dallas, growing soccer in America, and more – Morning Kickaround
5. Michael Parkhurst, Rhode Island FC
A native of Providence, Rhode Island, Parkhurst followed his illustrious playing career by becoming a co-founder of Rhode Island FC alongside Chairman Brett M. Johnson, bringing professional soccer to his home state. For the two-time Concacaf Gold Cup champion, the experience of being an observer as part of the club’s ownership is different to being on the field, but the investment the club has made putting a strong team on the field at new venue Centreville Bank Stadium is enjoying himself while understanding the big picture.
“It’s the first time that I’ve had a team where I get a little nervous and a little excited and a little mad,” Parkhurst told the Providence Journal in 2024. “I feel the emotions when I’m watching the game. I love that feeling. I love watching their games and just getting the experience and going through the emotions and the ups and downs of a season when you’re on the other side of things. And understanding how important it is to stay the course and have a level head.”
6. Chris Richards, Birmingham Legion FC
Current United States Men’s National Team and Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards had visited hometown club Birmingham Legion during his summer break from the Premier League and national team duty. This February, he officially became part of Legion’s ownership group, investing in the opportunity it can offer the region’s talent that previously had to move elsewhere to pursue professional aspirations.
“We’ve had a lot of players [from Birmingham] become successful,” said Richards upon the announcement. “Now with the Legion, we have a professional circuit for local talent. Being able to grow that and have kids around Birmingham and Alabama see that this is a proven model is something that’s really important to me.”
7. Tim Weah, Brooklyn FC
Tim Weah has played in countries across Europe, with the current Olympique de Marseille winger having previously achieved success in Italy, France and Scotland as well as for the USMNT. When it came to investing, though, the 25-year-old returned to his hometown of Brooklyn, N.Y., where he became an investor in Brooklyn FC prior to its inaugural season in the Gainbridge Super League in May, 2024.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to join Brooklyn Football Club’s ownership team and strengthen our connection to the people of New York, the borough I was born in, and the city I love,” said Weah upon the announcement. “BKFC is a grassroots-oriented club, focused on providing not only top-level professional football but new pathways and opportunities for women and men off the pitch as well.”