South Florida Attorney Michael Elkins Becomes Minority Owner in Israeli Premier League’s Hapoel Tel Aviv FC
South Florida Attorney Michael Elkins Becomes Minority Owner in Israeli Premier League’s Hapoel Tel Aviv FC
South Florida Attorney Michael Elkins Becomes Minority Owner in Israeli Premier League’s Hapoel Tel Aviv FC
Entering the mix of the popularity explosion of professional soccer clubs, MCK Soccer Investments, LLC (“MCK”), led by Fort Lauderdale-based sports and employment attorney Michael Elkins, Esq., recently became a minority owner in the Israeli Premier League’s Hapoel Tel Aviv FC.
Following the success of celebrities from athletes to actors investing in soccer clubs, and the soccer boom in South Florida thanks to Argentine professional player Lionel Messi joining Inter Miami CF, Elkins led and represented the minority ownership group in the transaction.
One of the iconic football (soccer) clubs in Israel, Hapoel Tel Aviv’s accomplishments include 13 Israeli championships, 17 UEFA appearances, and wins against Chelsea, A.C. Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, Benefica, Rangers, and Celtic. The club was founded in 1923 and just celebrated its 100th anniversary.
In 2021, Elkins, founder of MLE Law, brought his passion for sports to initiate and grow his sports law practice within the firm. He is a lifelong avid sports fan and has been quoted on national media outlets on sports law matters. The firm does significant Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) work with college football players at major universities across the U.S.
“Becoming a minority owner in Hapoel Tel Aviv FC is the culmination of my lifelong love of soccer and sports in general. Professional sports ownership in any capacity has always been my dream,” said Elkins. “Being able to merge MLE Law’s burgeoning sports law practice with my passion for sports while working with one of my closest friends is extremely exciting. I am happy to be part of this 100-year-old club, which I believe is a uniquely undervalued asset, along with the team’s rabid fanbase.”
An innovator within the legal industry, Elkins is also the founder, producer and host of the “Quarter Four” podcast, which covers the intersection between business and sports, providing listeners an inside look into the psychology of what makes individuals successful on and off the field. Notable figures in the sports industry, including former National Football League (NFL) General Manager Michael Lombardi and VaynerSports Co-CEO AJ Vaynerchuk, have been guests on the podcast.
A 22-year attorney, he represents businesses, municipalities and individuals in labor and employment, sports and business matters; as well as provides outside General Counsel services (daily corporate advice, preparation and review of corporate documents, creation of corporate entities, merger and acquisition representation).
