During the San Diego FC announcement press conference, San Diego Padres superstar Manny Machado was announced as a minority owner in the new Major League Soccer team. He joins majority owners Mohamed Mansour and the Sycuan tribe of Southern California.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to join the San Diego MLS ownership group. I continue to plant roots in this amazing community that means so much to me and build upon my connection with the incredible fans. … I’m further encouraged by the club’s commitment and experience that it brings, through Right to Dream, in developing young athletes personally, academically, and athletically, and excited to support the growth of soccer in San Diego,” Machado said in a statement.

Machado originally signed with the Padres in 2019 to a 10-year, $300-million contract, playing the first four years of that contract before he signed a new 11-year, $350-million contract during this past off-season. He finished third in MVP voting in 2020 and second in 2022.

Machado, along with his wife Yainee, have become a big part of the San Diego community and are committed to continue doing so with the MLS ownership group.

“I want to be able to impact the community … after baseball,” Machado said.

Machado added that the biggest part of joining the MLS ownership was the Right to Dream Foundation that he believes can change the community in San Diego.

The MLS club will begin play in the 2025 season at Snapdragon Stadium.