Steve Nash is letting his money talk about his love for soccer.
Nash is part of Liga ACQ Legacy Partners, which on Monday took over Spanish soccer club Real Mallorca, according to The Associated Press. Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver fronts the consortium, which reportedly paid €20 million ($21 million) for a controlling interest in the team.
Real Mallorca currently plays in Spain’s Segunda (second) Division in Spain’s La Liga. Real Mallorca’s stock has fallen in recent years, having declared bankruptcy in 2010 and suffered relegation from the first division in 2013.
Before then, Real Mallorca spent 16 consecutive seasons in the first division. It won the Spanish SuperCup in 1998, the UEFA Cup Winners Cup in 1999 and the Copa del Rey (Spanish Cup) in 2003.
Nash, a two-time NBA MVP, has demonstrated his passion for the sport over the years. He is a fan of Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur, and his brother Martin played professionally for 15 years.
But Real Mallorca will be Nash’s first tangible foray into the competitive landscape that is European soccer. Spanish newspaper Marca reported Saturday that Nash will play an active role in Real Mallorca’s day-to-day operations.
Sarver is the majority owner of Major League Soccer’s Vancouver Whitecaps. (Nash is a minority partner.) Sarver tried to buy Scottish club Rangers FC last year, but his bid was turned down. Sarver finally has his hands on a European team, with a helpful assist from Nash.
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@FOXSoccer
