Ken Griffin's nine-figure political giving dwarfs all other soccer-affiliated donors in 2026 cycle
Hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin, who funds U.S. Men's National Team coach Mauricio Pochettino's salary, directed over $32 million overwhelmingly toward Republican candidates and causes in the 2025–2026 federal election cycle, according to a Front Office Sports analysis of FEC filings. That figure far exceeds the combined political spending of MLS majority owners, who gave more than $4.5 million to federal races, and current NWSL majority owners, who contributed just over $400,000. Among MLS owners, Los Angeles Galaxy's Philip Anschutz was the heaviest donor at more than $1.3 million, while Jimmy and Dee Haslam of the Columbus Crew gave roughly $2 million combined, both primarily to Republicans. On the Democratic side, Chicago Stars minority owner Jennifer Pritzker donated over $3 million, and majority owners Arthur Blank and Laura Ricketts each gave around $315,000 largely to Democratic causes.
Griffin is a longtime Republican donor who has also been publicly critical of President Donald Trump, lately about tariffs and the economy.
Why it matters
For brands: Brands and sponsors affiliated with MLS, NWSL, or U.S. Soccer may face reputational considerations as the political affiliations of team owners and federation backers become more publicly documented.
For media: Reporters and analysts covering the business of soccer now have a detailed, FEC-sourced picture of how team owners and federation funders are allocating political capital ahead of the 2026 midterms.
For athletes: Athletes playing for teams whose owners are major political donors may find those ownership relationships intersecting with broader political and policy debates.
Read the full story at Front Office Sports
Sources
- Front Office Sports · Margaret Fleming: Ken Griffin’s $32M to GOP Towers Over Soccer Election Spending