Former USMNT and Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard has ventured into club ownership, aligning with MLS' Houston Dynamo FC and NWSL's Houston Dash within a group spearheaded by chair and majority owner Ted Segal. This consortium oversees operations of Shell Energy Stadium, Houston Sports Park, and Dynamo and Dash Charities, with Segal acquiring a controlling ownership stake in June 2021. Although specific financial terms were undisclosed, sources suggest the investment transpired at a $700 million valuation, with the Houston Dynamo valued at $550 million and the Houston Dash at $50 million, based on Sportico's MLS and NWSL assessments.

Jessica O'Neill, Houston Dash and Dynamo's President of Business Operations, praised Howard’s wealth of soccer experience, highlighting its potential to enhance fan engagement, referencing Houston’s fervent soccer culture. The addition of Howard, a National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee, bolsters the ownership group that includes prominent figures such as NBA star James Harden and Verance Capital's CEO Lyle Ayes, currently serving as Dynamo's vice chairman.

Howard, renowned for his tenure in the English Premier League and MLS, conveyed his elation to join the ownership ranks of Houston Dynamo and Dash, emphasizing his dedication to furthering soccer's growth in the U.S. and connecting with Houston's passionate soccer community. Having also been part of the ownership group that established Memphis 901 FC in the USL, Howard resigned as sporting director of the club in June. He shares links with Segal beyond ownership, having attended the same high school as the majority owner, strengthening the ties between the two in this collaborative venture.

While Howard made a significant foray into club ownership, social media users delved into the dynamics of athlete-investor relations, speculating on Howard's motives in aligning with the Houston clubs. Others hailed the move as a testament to Howard's legacy and impact on soccer, underscoring how this investment could yield significant returns for the former goalkeeper in a rapidly appreciating sector. Furthermore, discussions arose surrounding MLS and NWSL valuations, illustrating the escalating financial landscape in professional soccer and the potential implications for club investment and growth.

In essence, as Tim Howard embarks on this new chapter in his soccer journey as an owner, his strategic partnership with the Houston Dynamo FC and the Houston Dash not only signifies his continued dedication to the sport but also heralds a compelling narrative of athlete ownership in expanding the horizons of Major League Soccer and the National Women's Soccer League. The merging of Howard's esteemed soccer legacy with the ever-evolving landscape of club ownership amplifies the allure and dynamism of American soccer's multifaceted evolution.