Former NBA star Grant Hill and his wife, singer-songwriter Tamia, have become limited partners in the ownership group of the MLS’s Orlando City SC and the NWSL’s Orlando Pride, the teams announced Friday.
The couple has been season ticket holders for both teams for several years. The Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer played in Orlando for the Magic from 2000 to ’07.
Since retiring from the NBA in ’13, the 51-year-old became a co-owner of the NBA’s Hawks, and he currently serves as a basketball analyst for Turner Sports, NBA TV and CBS Sports. The Wilf family, owners of the NFL’s Vikings, purchased Orlando City SC, the Pride and Exploria Stadium—all part of the Orlando City Soccer Holdings LLC—from previous owner Flavio Augusto da Silva for close to $400 million in 2021.
In getting to know Orlando City Soccer Holdings chairman Mark Wilf, the Hills were impressed with his vision for the clubs, and the couple now will have a chance to incorporate their passion into the franchises.
“The future is very promising for both teams, and we are excited to support Orlando City, as well as the opportunity to be a part of the Orlando Pride and elevate women in sports,” the Hills said in the team’s official statement.
This season, Orlando City (18-7-9) finished second in the MLS’s Eastern Conference standings and made its fourth consecutive playoff appearance. The NWSL’s Pride (10-11-1) ended the ’23 campaign seventh in the league standings and failed to make a postseason appearance for the fifth consecutive season.
Orlando City plays host to Nashville SC in the opener of their best-of-three first-round playoff series Monday at 7 p.m. ET.
