Two years after Rockets owner Les Alexander almost bought the Dynamo, the controlling owners of Houston's Major League Soccer franchise remain hopeful of selling to a local owner.
Billionaire Phil Anschutz owns 50 percent of the Dynamo and the National Women's Soccer League's Dash through his Anschutz Entertainment Group.
Mexican millionaire Gabriel Brener and former boxing champion Oscar De La Hoya own the other 50 percent stake in the Dynamo.
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All three of the Dynamo ownership groups are based outside of Houston.
AEG also owns the Los Angeles Galaxy. MLS commissioner Don Garber often has said over the last five years that he hopes to reach a point when no group owns more than one team in the 20-year-old league.
Garber addressed the future of Dynamo ownership during a meeting with a group of sports editors Friday at the APSE commissioners' meetings in New York.
"I won't say the Dynamo are actively for sale," Garber said. "But I will say that Phil Anschutz and his group are looking for their share to be bought out by a local group that will be as committed to the franchise. They have spoken with several people."
Anschutz is a major reason MLS has survived for 20 years, keeping the league afloat during its turbulent infancy.
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At one point, AEG owned six of the MLS franchises - New York, D.C. United, Chicago, Colorado, San Jose and the Galaxy.
AEG moved the old San Jose Earthquakes to Houston after the 2005 season.
Since their inaugural 2006 season, the Dynamo have won two MLS Cup titles and been in four finals.
AEG operates BBVA Compass Stadium, the East End's soccer-specific stadium that is owned by the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority. AEG paid the majority of the cost to build the stadium.
"The Dynamo are a successful and profitable team with a great history and stadium," Garber said. "They are one of our good teams."
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Garber did not offer specifics on the local groups that have spoken with AEG.
Alexander attempted to purchase the Dynamo two years ago, but those negotiations broke off as the sides appeared close to finalizing the sale.
"Nothing has changed with regards to our ownership situation," Dynamo president Chris Canetti said. "The position of the league and of our owners has remained consistent over the years. The owners are committed to our goals and are supporting the Dynamo to the fullest extent."
