Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and his wife, singer-songwriter Ciara, are investing in an effort to bring a Major League Baseball team to Portland, Oregon.
In a Friday press release, the couple announced they are now "owner/investors" of the Portland Diamond Project, a vehicle to bring MLB to the City of Roses.
"We believe Portland is the next great Major League Baseball city, and that's why Ciara and I are excited to announce we are a part of the Portland Diamond Project. It is time for MLB in Portland," Wilson said in his statement, according to CBS Sports.
"Athletics has always been important to me. As a young girl growing up in Atlanta, I was a tomboy who ran track and worked the hot dog stand at Turner Field," Ciara said. "I am excited about the opportunity to bring the comradery of the game to the city of Portland. I want to see this vision come to life and empower more women owners in major sports franchises."
By becoming investors in the project, the couple appears to be heading toward an ownership interest in a future Portland-based team.
"Having Russell and Ciara sign on as owners and investors in PDP is game-changing, and has elevated our campaign significantly," Portland Diamond Project founder and President Craig Cheek said in the news release.
"I got to know Russell and Ciara when we signed Russell to his Nike endorsement deal," he continued. "I saw firsthand their passion, pursuit of excellence and impact they bring to every endeavor. We know they will bring that same energy, sense of legacy and entrepreneurialism to the Portland Diamond Project."
In addition to Cheek, the project's managing partners include former state senator Jason Atkinson and former Trail Blazers announcer Mike Barrett. They project an MLB opening day game no earlier than 2022, according to The Oregonian.
The league hasn’t expanded in 20 years, so any MLB team coming to Portland will more than likely be by relocation.
Late last year, Wilson also joined the Sonics Arena Group’s effort to bring NBA and NHL teams to Seattle.
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