O’Melveny Represents Thohir, Levien in Agreement to Invest in MLS Team DC United

July 11, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

Andrea Rodeschini                                Julie Fei

O’Melveny & Myers LLP                       O'Melveny & Myers LLP

+1 212.326.2251 (office)                      +1 213.430.7792 (office)

+1 213.440.7792 (cell)

arodeschini@omm.com                       jfei@omm.com

 

CENTURY CITY, CALIFORNIA -- JULY 11, 2012 -- O’Melveny & Myers LLP represented Erick Thohir and Jason Levien in reaching a finalized agreement, announced today, to join Major League Soccer’s (MLS) DC United owner Will Chang as co-owners of the operating rights of the soccer club. Thohir and Levien will serve as managing partners, with Levien additionally serving as the MLS Governor.

 

Thohir, an Indonesian media businessman, became the first Asian owner in NBA history when he purchased a portion of the 76ers last year. Thohir is also the founder of AirAsia ASEAN Basketball League, the first regional professional sports league of its kind. Levien is the co-owner of the 76ers; and is the president and founder of LSRI, a firm specializing in investments in sports and media properties. Levien was an NBA player agent and worked for two seasons as an executive with the NBA’s Sacramento Kings.

 

"The opportunity to partner with Will and Jason brings exciting possibilities,” said Thohir. "DC United is a club with great tradition and history of winning. I am looking forward to helping with the continued development of DC United both on and off the field as well as expanding its reach as a global brand.”

 

"In partnering with Will, we are committed to ensuring the growth of DC United,” Levien added. "Our supporters deserve our very best effort and they'll get exactly that.”

 

The O’Melveny Century City team was led by partner Robert Haymer and counsel Adam Sullins, with assistance from associate Adam Cooper. Partner Robert Blashek and associate Kate Mann advised on tax matters. 

 

About the O'Melveny & Myers Entertainment, Sports and Media Practice

For nearly a century, O’Melveny & Myers LLP has represented motion picture studios, television, music and new media companies, sports organizations, governing bodies, professional sports teams (and their owners), financial institutions, strategic investors, and individual talent on groundbreaking and significant industry transactions. At the core of the Entertainment and Media Practice is the representation of clients in transactions involving the production, financing, and distribution of motion pictures and television programming aimed at audiences around the world. Our firm’s extensive experience with businesses in the new media, telecommunications and convergence sectors, combined with our long-standing relationships and know-how in the entertainment, electronics, and financial services industries, can provide a critical link for companies.

 

About O’Melveny & Myers LLP

With approximately 800 lawyers in 15 offices worldwide, O’Melveny & Myers LLP helps industry leaders across a broad array of sectors manage the complex challenges of succeeding in the global economy. We are a values-driven law firm, guided by the principles of excellence, leadership, and citizenship. Our commitment to these values is reflected in our dedication to improving access to justice through pro bono work and championing initiatives that increase the diversity of the legal profession. For more information, please visit www.omm.com