NWSL: Houston Dash Near $120 Million Sale Amid Ownership Controversy
Portland Thorns midfielder Crystal Dunn (#19) celebrates with teammates after her goal in the ninth minute during an NWSL match against the Houston Dash at Providence Park on Friday, April 14, 2023.
Written by Oluwaseun Oyediji
The Houston Dash are reportedly on the verge of a $120 million sale, with Sportico revealing that current owner Ted Segal is in advanced discussions to sell the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) franchise to RHC Group — a move that would formally separate the Dash from their Major League Soccer (MLS) counterpart, the Houston Dynamo.
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However, the potential deal has drawn scrutiny due to the background of RHC Group’s chief executive, Richard Hsiao, whose father, Jianhua Xiao, is currently serving a 13-year prison sentence in China for alleged financial crimes.
According to Sportico, questions have already surfaced regarding the source of RHC Group’s funding, prompting the buyer to begin the standard NWSL background check process.
League approval would still be required before any transaction could be finalized.
In a statement, the NWSL described its due diligence review as “ongoing,” noting:
“As with all such matters, the NWSL Board of Governors retains full authority to approve or deny any ownership change based on the league’s governance standards.”
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Despite the controversy, reports indicate that the prospective ownership group intends to keep the club in Houston, maintaining the team’s current market presence and fan base.
If completed, the deal would mark one of the most expensive sales in NWSL history — underscoring both the league’s growing valuation and the heightened scrutiny surrounding its expanding investment landscape.
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