Meet the superstars behind Beckham’s Miami deal
Footballer turned megabrand David Beckham is not the only famous name behind his plans to set up a new team in Miami.
The former England captain, who is due to confirm the $25m (£15m) deal this afternoon, has roped in some friends to help – and they’re bona fide superstars in their own fields too.
Beckham is not short of cash, with an estimated wealth of £165m, not including wife Victoria’s £35m, and is getting the franchise at around a quarter of the market rate thanks to a clause inserted in his contract when he signed for LA Galaxy in 2007.
Scroll down to watch Beckham’s announcement below live from 3pm British time.
LeBron James
Basketball’s leading light had talks with his buddy Beckham about establishing a Major League Soccer franchise in the same city as his NBA team, Miami Heat, last year.
The extent of his involvement is unclear, but he said on Monday: “It’s a great place for soccer. Hopefully they can go in the right direction as we all planned.”
James is a big football fan and holds shares in Liverpool, which he bought in 2011. His 2013 earnings were estimated at more than $60m, while his fortune is thought to be total well over $100m.
Marcelo Claure
Mobile technology mogul Claure, 43, is thought to be one of the key players in Beckham’s Miami masterplan, and recently joined him to scout possible stadium sites.
The Bolivian-born Brightstar Corp boss has money to invest in the project – his wealth was estimated at $950m by Forbes in October – and used to work for his country’s football federation. Latin pop star Jennifer Lopez was the star turn at his 40th birthday party.
Simon Fuller
The Pop Idol and American Idol creator and former Spice Girls manager is Beckham’s long-time advisor and is believed to have played a prominent role in the Miami project.
The British showbusiness guru started in the music industry but now counts Wimbledon winner Andy Murray, Formula One racer Lewis Hamilton and cycling hero Sir Bradley Wiggins among an increasingly sport-focused roster of clients. Fuller’s wealth was estimated at £375m by the Sunday Times in 2012.