Bay Area rap legend and entrepreneur E-40 announced Friday that he has joined the ownership group of the Oakland Roots and Soul Sports Club.<\/p>\n
E-40 said in a press statement that he hopes to use his platform to increase Oakland’s pro soccer footprint and elevate the club’s commitment to combining the sport with local culture and community.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In addition, E-40 said he will perform at the Roots’ home opener on March 14 against New Mexico United at the Oakland Coliseum.<\/p>\n
“Bringing my business acumen and sports fandom together as part of the Oakland Roots & Soul ownership group is truly special,” E-40 said in a prepared statement. “This move is about investing in a sport that connects the world. I look forward to working closely with the ownership team to continue to amplify the fan experience while delivering successful results on the field.”<\/p>\n
The Vallejo, California-native joins several other local artists and celebrities with a stake in the city’s men’s and women’s soccer teams, including Mistah F.A.B., Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong, former NFL star Marshawn Lynch, former WNBA All-star and USA Olympic champion Ruthie Bolton, and radio legend Sway Calloway.<\/p>\n
The Oakland Roots SC and Oakland Soul SC are owned by a group of investors under the parent organization Oakland Pro Soccer LLC. The organization features a unique ownership mode that included a 2023 community investment campaign where local fans bought a stake in the clubs for anywhere from $100 to $25,000<\/a>.<\/p>\n As of 2025, the clubs were valued at $93 million, up from $78 million in 2023.\u00a0<\/p>\n