LAFC sells Grasshopper stake in European portfolio reset
LAFC has sold its majority stake in Grasshopper Club Zurich to Bridge Football Group Switzerland AG as the Major League Soccer club narrows its European multi-club strategy around FC Wacker Innsbruck.
Los Angeles Football Club has transferred its majority stake in Grasshopper Club Zurich to Bridge Football Group Switzerland AG, ending its ownership of the Swiss club after around two-and-a-half years.Financial terms were not disclosed. LAFC acquired control of Grasshopper in January 2024 and reportedly held more than 90% of the club before completing the sale on June 29, 2026.The transaction forms part of what LAFC described as a “strategic realignment” of its international development network.The MLS club will now concentrate its European resources exclusively on Austrian side FC Wacker Innsbruck, where its investment was approved by the club and its members in April 2023.LAFC co-president and general manager John Thorrington said: “Building a sustainable global football network requires constant evaluation and deliberate focus.“As we looked at the future of LAFC’s international footprint, it became clear that consolidating our resources and fully dedicating our European efforts to FC Wacker Innsbruck is the right path forward.”Wacker Innsbruck have secured three consecutive promotions since LAFC’s initial investment and will compete in Austria’s second tier.LAFC said the relationship would continue to focus on sporting and commercial development through shared scouting, commercial cooperation and direct player pathways.Thorrington said: “We are incredibly proud of the progress being made in Austria.“The synergy between LAFC and Wacker Innsbruck, combined with the passion of their legendary supporters, has created a strong foundation for long-term success. We are just getting started and look forward to the season ahead.”The Grasshopper sale followed a process that reportedly attracted more than a dozen prospective investors and ownership groups. Bridge Football was selected based on its long-term strategy and commitment to protecting the club’s heritage while investing in its future.Bridge Football already owns majority interests in Dutch second-tier club FC Den Bosch, Italian third-tier side Pro Vercelli and China League One club Shaanxi Union.Bridge Football chief executive Ludovic Deléchat said the group recognised that Grasshopper supporters had heard significant promises from previous owners and pledged to support the club’s identity and long-term development.Grasshopper are Switzerland’s most successful club, having won a record 27 league championships and 19 Swiss Cups.