JANUARY 27, 2016 (PHOENIX) – Five-time Grammy nominated producer and artist, Diplo, is leading a syndicate of artists and music executives in a financial investment into Arizona United Soccer Club, the team announces today.
The Diplo-led investment group – which includes TMWRK Management as well as other artists and music executives – are together 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. “The number of ways we can work together 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.
About Arizona United Soccer Club
Arizona United Soccer Club is Arizona’s only professional soccer franchise. Established in 2014, the club enters its third year in United Soccer League (USL), the fastest growing American professional soccer league recognized by the United States Soccer Federation. For more information on the club, visit the team’s website at www.ArizonaUnited.com or follow the team on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/ArizonaUnitedSoccer), Twitter (@AZUnitedSC) or Instagram (AZUnitedSC)
JANUARY 27, 2016 (PHOENIX) – Five-time Grammy nominated producer and artist, Diplo, is leading a syndicate of artists and music executives in a financial investment into Arizona United Soccer Club, the team announces today.
The Diplo-led investment group – which includes TMWRK Management as well as other artists and music executives – are together 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. “The number of ways we can work together 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.
About Arizona United Soccer Club
Arizona United Soccer Club is Arizona’s only professional soccer franchise. Established in 2014, the club enters its third year in United Soccer League (USL), the fastest growing American professional soccer league recognized by the United States Soccer Federation. For more information on the club, visit the team’s website at www.ArizonaUnited.com or follow the team on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/ArizonaUnitedSoccer), Twitter (@AZUnitedSC) or Instagram (AZUnitedSC)
