For Birmingham Legion FC, its been an amazing few weeks.
The team made history in late May when it took down Charlotte FC, an MLS team.
Then, a couple weeks ago, Legion hosted another MLS club – Inter Miami, whose ownership group included international soccer legend David Beckham. Legion lost to Miami 1-0 in front of a crowd of more than 18,000 fans.
Now, the club has gained a sports legend for its ownership group – NBA Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins.
Legion FC announced today a new investor has joined the ownership group, NBA Hall-of-Famer Dominique Wilkins.
Wilkins brings his passion for investing in communities through sports as a new owner of Birmingham’s longest-standing professional team.#HammerDown
— Birmingham Legion FC (@bhmlegion) June 20, 2023
On Tuesday, Wilkins went on ESPN’s “First Take” to discuss his decision to become part of the group.
“It’s not just being a part of a soccer team, but seeing a young soccer team come win and win from Day One,” said Wilkins. “It’s a tremendous feel that you have in Birmingham, and they’re getting huge crowds down there and they’re getting ready to build a beautiful facility.”
Wilkins believes the Legion’s continued success will bring opportunity for the whole city, stating that while the “ultimate goal is to win, it’s also about building bridges in the birthplace of civil rights and to continue to bring the community together because soccer is a sport that everybody plays. So it’s a great opportunity to not only be a part of the soccer team, but to build those relationships within the city.”
Nicknamed “The Human Highlight Film,” Wilkins, the Atlanta Hawks vice president of basketball, is among the top 20 highest scorers in NBA history.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
