The Los Angeles Aztecs have a preferred site. We are talking to its owner. We are also in discussions with a league.
I am encouraged by both.
Neither conversation is a signed agreement. We will announce commitments when they are secured. But the work is becoming more focused.
We are now seeking a substantial shareholder with the financial capacity to help fund the launch and several operating seasons, including potential shortfalls.
The opportunity is to help shape the club’s leadership, commercial direction and relationship with its supporters from the beginning.
And I want that person to understand what we intend to build.
There should be some rock and roll in this club
Elton John was part of the original ownership. George Best and Johan Cruyff wore the shirt. Rod Stewart was around the club.
Football, music and extraordinary personalities were already part of the story.
What an opening chapter.
I want the next Aztecs to be a home for the creatives, the mavericks and the entertainers. Players with imagination. People with ideas. Supporters who want their football to have character.
The Los Angeles Aztecs are the entertainers.
That is an identity we must earn through our football, atmosphere and welcome.
We cannot promise a win every Saturday. We can remember that people have worked all week and given us their afternoon.
Make it worth coming back.
St Pauli inspires me. Los Angeles will shape us.
I admire how St Pauli connects football, music, its neighbourhood and its supporters. People recognise themselves in that club.
Our connection must grow from Los Angeles: its working families, Latino soccer communities, musicians, artists, coaches and independent businesses.
Picture a band playing before a match. Children kicking a ball. Friends arriving early. Local businesses trading.
We want live performances, artist collaborations and opportunities for emerging talent woven into the club’s life. Our future home could also host music and community events beyond matchdays, subject to the site, permissions and economics.
A small stage could give an artist their first proper crowd. A well-run programme could bring additional visitors and income.
The place should have some rock and roll in it. The accounts should be boring.
Competitive football and the permanent home come first. Everything around them should make the club stronger.
People who understand the work
Mike Charlesworth has joined as strategic advisor, bringing experience of owning and financing Central Coast Mariners, alongside the Centre of Excellence property at Tuggerah.
Mick Pattinson is also involved as an adviser. A former Luton Town shareholder and associate director, Mick brings decades of California development experience, including leadership of Barratt American and the California Building Industry Association.
They understand football, property and the difficult decisions behind both.
I want people around the table who ask the awkward question before it becomes an expensive problem.
We now want the right lead financial partner alongside that experience.
What the investment involves
The lead investor’s equity stake, board representation and decision rights would be negotiated against the capital committed and responsibilities accepted.
Our ownership group must satisfy the applicable U.S. Soccer standards and the requirements of the league we seek to enter.
This invitation concerns the football club. Any participation in stadium operations or surrounding property development would require separately defined terms.
American soccer is attracting capital, but league entry still requires approval. A suitable site, qualified ownership and a credible operating plan must come together.
That is the work we are doing.
Where supporters belong
The Founding 100K campaign is intended to support early development and give supporters a route into the project. It is currently testing the waters through non-binding expressions of interest on Wefunder.
The lead investor would help establish the larger financial foundation for professional football. The relationship between these funding routes must be documented clearly, including what supporters could own, their influence and the risks.
Our ambition is simple: a father should be able to bring his daughter and still afford the shopping. Young players should see opportunities. Local businesses should have a place.
Supporter representation and protection of the club’s identity need workable agreements behind them.
Fans first is easy to print on a scarf. The test comes when keeping the promise costs money.
We have to earn Los Angeles
LAFC and Angel City play in the city. Galaxy plays in Carson and has deep support across the region. We respect those clubs and their supporters.
The Aztecs must earn a following by listening to the communities around our potential home and giving them a reason to return.
The badge might earn a first look. The experience earns the second.
Come and meet us
We have prepared a development and investor due-diligence report covering the site assessment, stadium strategy, proposed financing structure, league pathway and major risks.
Prospective lead investors can email scott@footballisforthefans.com with an introduction and investment background.
We can establish financial capacity, ownership expectations and investment horizon before moving into confidential discussions about the plan, proposed cap table, funding requirements and site and league position.
Musicians, coaches, businesses, community organisers and supporters are welcome too. Bring an idea, an introduction or a willingness to help.
You do not need to invest to be an Aztec.
I am excited about bringing this together. There is substantial work before the first home match. I want to do it with people who care what this club becomes.
The Los Angeles Aztecs. The entertainers. Come and help us earn the name.
Scott Michaels
Los Angeles Aztecs
scott@footballisforthefans.com