San Jose Earthquakes Ownership to Sell Controlling Stake: A New Chapter Begins
After nearly two decades at the helm, John Fisher and the Earthquakes' ownership group initiate a sales process with eyes on the future
The Fisher Era Nears Its End
A seismic shift is underway in Northern California soccer. The San Jose Earthquakes have officially begun the process of selling a controlling interest in the club, with global investment bank Moelis & Company tapped to lead the transition. Longtime owner John Fisher, who has been the Earthquakes’ principal figure since 2008, is preparing to hand over the reins after nearly two decades of stewardship.
In a heartfelt statement, Fisher expressed pride in the club’s journey and its role in expanding soccer’s presence throughout the Silicon Valley.
“The San Jose Earthquakes and PayPal Park have been an important part of our lives for nearly two decades,” said Fisher. “We are proud of the role the Quakes have played in the growth of soccer throughout Silicon Valley.”
A Legacy of Growth and Development
Fisher’s tenure began in earnest when he and partner Lew Wolff brought the Earthquakes back to Major League Soccer in 2008 after a two-year absence. One of the key milestones during this period was the development of the privately financed PayPal Park, a modern, soccer-specific stadium that opened in 2015 and helped solidify San Jose’s place on the MLS map.
The Earthquakes reached the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs five times under Fisher’s leadership and captured the Supporters’ Shield in 2012, finishing that season with the league’s best regular-season record. While the club has not always been a consistent contender, Fisher’s tenure leaves behind vital infrastructure and a growing fanbase.
But perhaps the biggest long-term contribution has come off the field—through investment in youth development. San Jose has established a full-fledged MLS NEXT academy with teams ranging from U14 to U18, and an MLS NEXT Pro team that has further expanded the development pipeline. To date, 19 players have been signed to Homegrown contracts, underscoring the club’s commitment to cultivating local talent.
A League Perspective: Thanks and Transition
MLS Commissioner Don Garber praised the Fisher family’s contributions to the league and the Bay Area.
“Under their leadership, the club invested in world-class facilities like PayPal Park, built a highly respected youth academy and helped grow the game in one of the nation’s most dynamic markets,” said Garber. “We look forward to identifying new ownership that can build on this strong foundation.”
With the club having celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024—tracing its origins back to the North American Soccer League in 1974—the timing of this transition adds symbolic weight. The Earthquakes were one of the original MLS teams in 1996, and their two MLS Cup titles and two Supporters’ Shields serve as historical reminders of their place in American soccer’s evolving story.
