The official statement published on the club’s platforms La Equidad of Bogota confirms that the Tylis-Porter group arrives as owner of the club, which until a few hours ago belonged to the company La Equidad Seguros. Although the big news is the arrival of foreign capital to local soccer teams, the presence of personalities such as actors Ryan Reynolds, Eva Longoria and Rob McElhenney, model Kate Upton, baseball player Justin Verlander and former basketball player Shawn Marion, among others, does not go unnoticed.
Waiting to learn more details, it is known that the model that this same economic group has to manage Wrexham FC of Wales, which plays in the lower leagues of England, will be maintained, in addition to having closer contact with soccer in the region with Necaxa of Mexico. But it is understood that there could be changes in the team from the Colombian capital, knowing that the name, crest and colors come from the insurance company to which it belonged and which founded it in the 1980s.
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Although La Equidad has only won a couple of titles in professionalism, in the Ascenso in 2006 and the Copa Colombia in 2008, its organization and regularity have led it to remain in the top flight and to participate in international competitions from time to time. However, with little support in the stands and lack of visibility in the media, there is talk that a change of image could serve for the immediate future.
Who are the new owners of La Equidad in Colombia?
After so much expectation, on the morning of Thursday, January 16, 2025, the publication in The Athletic was published in which they mentioned the novelty for the rest of the world and reviewed the international stars who came to Colombian soccer with this company: “A US consortium led by real estate investor Al Tylis and Club Necaxa executive Sam Porter has completed the acquisition of Colombian soccer team La Equidad, backed by investors including actors Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney and Eva Longoria”.
In a short review, they refer to the club, hitherto known as ‘Los Aseguradores’ because of its business origins: “La Equidad is based in the Colombian capital, Bogota, where the club’s home stadium, the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo, has a capacity of 10,000 spectators. The team finished 13th out of 20 teams in the top flight of the 2024 league phase of the season in Colombia. The club was founded in 1982 by an insurance company (also called La Equidad)”.
In the description of the group’s investors, they also list other figures: “The consortium, which also includes MLB pitcher Justin Verlander and his wife, model Kate Upton, has acquired more than 99 percent of the club for a valuation of more than $30 million, according to sources familiar with the deal who asked to remain anonymous when disclosing confidential information”. This figure in US currency is in doubt because in the Colombian environment a smaller amount was handled.
In La Equidad’s official statement, with more details and explanations, the following can be read, with a tone of joy and celebration: “The North American investment group led by Al Tylis and Sam Porter completed the acquisition of our club. This process has been successfully completed and has received the approval of DIMAYOR (Division Mayor del Futbol Profesional Colombiano). This partnership marks the beginning of a clear and sustainable strategy that will allow us to continue to grow. Al Tylis and Sam Porter will serve as Co-Chairmen of our Board of Directors, along with Mr. Nicolas Maya, while our President, Carlos Mario Zuluaga, will continue to lead the management of the club with the same passion as always”.
“Our new owners are committed to investing in key areas, including our youth and women’s teams, which are fundamental pillars of our institution,” the statement explained, detailing the presence of the famous investors: “Al Tylis and Sam Porter not only have extensive experience in the sports world, but also have the backing of well-known figures such as Eva Longoria, Rob McElhenney, Ryan Reynolds, Justin Verlander, Kate Upton, Shawn Marion and Scott Galloway”.
And for those who ask about the names that were mentioned as the top leaders of the society in the presidency, here is this review: “Al Tylis owner and managing partner of the DC Pickleball team in Major League Pickleball (MLP), owner and board member of the United Pickleball Association; co-owner of Club Necaxa (Liga MX), board member of the New Zealand Breakers (professional basketball in Australia) and G2 Esports, one of the most important teams in electronic sports. Sam Porter shares ownership of Club Necaxa and DC Pickleball, and was previously Chief Strategy Officer of DC United (MLS) and a board member of Swansea City AFC (Premier League)”.
In the same statement, Al Tylis’ words are highlighted: “It is an honour to be part of this great club… We want all our fans to feel proud. Our aim is to strengthen every aspect of the club, investing in the long term and building on the solid foundation that already exists”, adding the statements of Sam Porter, he added: “We are convinced that the future of La Equidad will be bright. Bogota is an incredible city, full of opportunities to grow and achieve great success. To be part of this project and this fan base fills us with enthusiasm”.
For now, waiting for future decisions, everything is still communicated and managed as La Equidad, but it will be a new club with the economic investment that could change its reality of being an entertainer of the league in Colombia.