Diplo is well-known for being a DJ and record producer, but in the past 12 months he has set his eyes on becoming more of a mogul. He has become heavily involved with Spotify, while expanding the reach of his label and its parties Mad Decent Block Party to India. Now he has announced that he is joining a consortium of new investors that include his management team TMWRK, to invest in USL club Arizona United Soccer Club.
"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 in a statement. "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."
The team is in the USL (United Soccer League), which is the league right under Major League Soccer (MLS). The Diplo-led investment will give them a minority equity stake in the team and gives the DJ a seat on the team's board of directors.
Arizona United Soccer Club is the only professional soccer team in the state.
"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 2016 season kicks off on March 23 against Los Angeles Galaxy II.
