One NFL ownership group’s venture from football into futbol has helped a soccer city in the United States reach new heights.
A week ago, the Orlando Pride won its first National Women’s Soccer League title – marking the first professional league sports title for the city of Orlando.
Orlando City SC is one game away from competing for the Major League Soccer title. On Saturday, it will host the New York Red Bulls in the Eastern Conference finals in the MLS Cup playoffs.
The Wilf family – which has owned the Minnesota Vikings since 2005 – has relied on its nearly 20 years of experience in the NFL to accelerate Orlando’s soccer scene since becoming MLS and NWSL owners in 2021.
“There is a lot of synergy,” Mark Wilf, who co-owns the three teams with his brother Zygi and cousin Lenny, told USA TODAY Sports this week.
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“The Vikings are part of our executive board at the Orlando Soccer Clubs. There’s a lot of experience in terms of things we haven’t done well, and things we have done well. So, we learn from experience.
“But I think overall, directionally investing in getting the best players in the best environments with the right leadership in place, and the right support is a combination we try to do because winning at the professional sport is extremely difficult. And, so we want to just be in a position where we’re competing year after year and able to keep knocking the door as well as we can.”
Wilf praised Orlando City coach Oscar Pareja, president of business operations Jarrod Dillon, general manager and executive vice president of soccer operations Luiz Muzzi for the club’s run to its first Eastern Conference final.
Orlando City is the highest remaining seed in the East, outlasting the likes of Lionel Messi and Supporters’ Shield winners Inter Miami, last year’s MLS Cup champion the Columbus Crew, and last year’s Supporters’ Shield winners FC Cincinnati.
Orlando City beat Charlotte FC in the first round and eliminated Atlanta United in the second round last week.
With a win Saturday, Orlando City could face the L.A. Galaxy or Seattle Sounders in the MLS Cup final on Dec. 7.
“Oscar is very consistent in how he’s approached it, and he’s not afraid to change things up to do what he has to do. He made some adjustments during the season. We had a tough start, and I think we’ve had a great run since July. We’re excited about this opportunity to win our first league trophy,” Wilf said of Orlando City, which had just five wins in their first 20 MLS games this season.
“The Red Bulls are playing at very high level as well as the two teams in the West. So, this will be a mad dash for the finish line here. And I know Oscar will have them ready this weekend.”
Wilf praised Pride coach Seb Hines and vice president of soccer operations and sporting director Haley Carter for leading that club to the NWSL Shield and the NWSL title this season.
The Pride relied on Barbra Banda’s goal to beat the Washington Spirit 1-0 on Nov. 23 in Kansas City. It was Banda’s fourth goal in three playoff games, earning her Championship MVP. The club also features Brazilian star Marta, the greatest women’s soccer player of all-time.
“I think we put really great people in place that have, again, we put in resources as well to make sure there are the personnel there dedicated to making everything first class and world-class,” Wilf said. “Haley really put together the roster and steps as a work ethic and approach and understated leadership that the players want to rally around. It all combined beautifully.”
The Vikings are also in great shape to reach the NFL playoffs this season. They’re second in the NFC North with a 9-2 record before Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Wilf praised Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, coach Kevin O’Connell, defensive coordinator Brian Flores and quarterback Sam Darnold for the turnaround from last year’s 7-10 campaign.
“We know we’re in a very, very tough division,” Wilf said. “And we’re pushing hard here in the closing weeks here to continue to push through, and improve even more to compete and hopefully peak the right time going forward here.”
More important, the Vikings were ranked first in 2023, and second in 2024 by the players in annual NFL Player Association report cards. NFL players believe the Vikings have the best owners, coaches and facilities in the league.
The Wilfs’ commitment to elevating the Vikings’ facilities and personnel has trickled down to its soccer teams vying for title contention.
“It’s a great story from where we came in 2021 when we purchased the clubs to today,” Wilf said. “It’s part of where we wanted to be as far as building world-class facilities, first-class organization, improve and maximize the fan experience, of course, to compete and win for championships and be part of the community.
“Obviously, it’d be a real special thing to have the men get where we want to get, just like the women did.”
