USL Phoenix Rising FC

Grammy-Nominated Superstar Diplo Leads Group Investing in Arizona United Soccer Club

Published on January 27, 2016 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Phoenix Rising FC News Release


Grammy-Nominated Superstar Diplo
Grammy-Nominated Superstar Diplo
(Phoenix Rising FC)

(PHOENIX) - Arizona United Soccer Club today announced that five-time Grammy nominated producer and artist Diplo is leading a syndicate of artists and music executives in a financial investment into the United Soccer League (USL) club.

The Diplo-led investment group - which includes TMWRK Management as well as other artists and music executives - is purchasing a minority equity stake in the team and will hold a seat on Arizona United SC's board of directors.

"I've been really fortunate to travel all over the world and experience different cultures through music. Wherever I am, Jamaica, Spain, England, China, etc., soccer is a social constant," said Diplo. "I wanted to figure out a way to get involved with the game and team sports so when Arizona United presented itself, I immediately jumped at the opportunity. I see soccer the same way I see music, as a connective tissue linking the world's cultures."

Diplo - who is nominated for three Grammys at the 58th Grammy Awards in February - also performs under the name Major Lazer and is half of the group Jack Ü. He is the owner of the Mad Decent record label as well as the Mad Decent Block Party (the largest touring Electronic Dance Music Festival in North America).  His social media presence (1.62 million twitter followers; 1.9 million Instagram followers and 2.4 million Facebook followers) is indicative of Diplo's keen understanding of how to market and reach youth culture in North America. "Lean On" by Diplo's band Major Lazer, was the most Shazamed track of 2015 and is the most streamed song in the history of Spotify.

"Diplo, throughout his music career as a DJ, Producer and Artist, has always been about global culture, youth culture and inclusiveness, and we couldn't think of a better match to fit our core demographic and to wrap our team around," said Arizona United SC Co-Chairmen Kyle Eng & Brett M. Johnson. "We believe that his desire to join our team is a testament to the expanding interest in professional soccer. The opportunities to grow the Arizona United SC brand is unlimited with a partner like Diplo."

The team on Monday announced its 2016 regular season schedule, which includes 15 home matches to be played at Peoria Sports Complex. Arizona United begins it 2016 campaign at the Los Angeles Galaxy II on March 23 and debuts at home on April 30 vs Portland Timbers FC 2.

Arizona United last month appointed renowned soccer manager Frank Yallop to the position of head coach and president of soccer operations under a three-year agreement. Yallop has 13 years of head coaching experience in MLS, including winning two MLS titles, two MLS Coach of the Year awards and one Supporters Shield.

Check out the Phoenix Rising FC Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Images from this story

Grammy-Nominated Superstar Diplo
Grammy-Nominated Superstar Diplo
   



United Soccer League Championship Stories from January 27, 2016


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central