Retired Soccer Star Jozy Altidore Opens Up About Joining Bills Ownership

The Buffalo Bills have a new minority owner who has achieved success in his respective sport.

In an appearance on Front Office Sports’ “Portfolio Players” presented by ETRADE from Morgan Stanley, former U.S. men’s national team star Jozy Altidore opened up about life after soccer and the business legacy he’s building off the field.

Specifically, Altidore talked about his investment in the Bills and the NFL.

Altidore Talks Process of Joining Bills Ownership Group

“I’ve really enjoyed … understanding the league and how they go about being a business but also being an entertaining product … that we’ve seen a number of people flock to,” Altidore said.

“I was approached by Derrick Heggans, but it was while we were at MLS All-Star. When you hear people say, put your best foot forward, take every meeting, you kind of never know what can come of things.

“Although I was focused on something else, this opportunity was presented. I would say a big lesson is, always try to expose yourself to different opportunities, different environments.”

Altidore said Buffalo seems like the best fit for his new business venture. Altidore spent six years playing for Toronto FC, a MLS soccer club. Toronto and Buffalo are less than 100 miles apart and are connected in many ways economically and culturally.

“Being that a spent so much time in Toronto, it seemed like the best fit,” Altidore said. “When the opportunity was presented to me, I took it with both hands.”

The Bills recently announced a new partnership with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, which will work toward helping grow the game of football with Canadian youth.

“The idea is to really grow the brand in Canada,” Altidore said.

Altidore Talks His Marriage to Sloane Stephens

Altidore is married to tennis champion Sloane Stephens. He dished on his marriage and growing businesses as athletes.

“Sloane is a terrific business woman,” Altidore said. “A terrific entrepreneur. And an amazing tennis player, of course.

“I would say our theses are a bit different, but in terms of wanting to invest and be active, we both share that passion.

Altidore is Helped by Several Mentors

Altidore reflected on the shift from athlete to investor, the rise of athlete ownership, and the lessons he’s learned from mentors like Magic Johnson and Alex Rodriguez.

“Those are two people, off the bat, that are pretty impressive in terms of like transitioning from a sport to the boardroom.”

A fellow soccer star has also been helpful to Altidore.

“(And) David Beckham, of course. That’s obviously one that I admire and definitely modeled a lot of what I’m doing after. He’s an incredible guy, an incredible mentor.”

Altidore Interested in Investing in Pickleball

Altidore was asked what else he’d like to invest in and he named a sport that is growing in scale in recent years.

“Pickleball,” he said. “I wouldn’t say necessarily that I’m an incredible fan of it. I’m interested in the business side. You have to be impressed with the scale and the growth of that game. Would love to look at an opportunity there.”

Altidore is ‘Bullish’ About Women’s Sports

Altidore, 35, has played in the top soccer leagues around the world, including Major League Soccer, the Premier League, and La Liga. Known for his speed, strength, and scoring ability, Altidore represented the United States in multiple FIFA World Cups and became one of the country’s most prolific goal scorers.

Another passion of Altidore’s and his wife is supporting the growth of women’s sports. Altidore is also a minority owner of Bay FC, a soccer club in the National Women’s Soccer League.

“The game has grown so fast. So many new stars across the game. I’m very bullish, like I think a lot of people are, when it comes to women’s sports.”

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