MLSPA - The Major League Soccer Players Association reinforced its role in the business side of sport in 2025 by increasing its equity in OneTeam Partners and seeding OneTeam International, a move that shifts players from rights providers to revenue stakeholders and accelerates global licensing expansion.
- In short: MLSPA invested US$5.1 million to raise its stake in OneTeam Partners and added US$1 million to OneTeam International, positioning players as shareholders in collective image-rights monetization.
Understand the dynamics behind the investment
The MLSPA exercised a US$5.1 million option in 2025 to deepen its ownership of OneTeam Partners and separately committed US$1 million to OneTeam International, the unit targeting markets outside the U.S. The strategy converts collective image licensing from a pure representation function into an investor role that captures a slice of commercial returns. Sports Business Journal covered the transaction and its implications for athlete-led revenue models.
By becoming shareholders, players can now participate directly in deals with brands, media companies, game developers and digital platforms rather than only licensing their images through intermediaries.
"According to federal filings, the operation's revenue rose 15.6% year-over-year, reaching US$8.2 million (about R$41 million)."
Context and impact: why this matters to the sport economy
The move reflects a broader industry shift where collective licensing has grown as a strategic revenue stream, complementing broadcast and sponsorship income. For the MLSPA, the participation is both defensive—securing better governance over player image—and offensive, enabling players to capture upside as the licensing market internationalizes.
OneTeam International’s launch signals a deliberate push into markets with higher monetization potential, aligning with a trend in which athletes and their associations seek diversification of income sources. The deal also mirrors practices in other U.S. leagues where collective commercialization of player rights has become increasingly structured.
What do you think? Is turning collective image rights into ownership the right path for players and the sport? For more details, check out our specialized section.