Examining Athlete Brands... Part 3: Franchising Brand Beckham??

Reports out of New York this weekend indicated that David Beckham's long-term plans may involve ownership, with Montréal touted as a possible target for the England star and his investors.

According to a story in the New York Times on Monday, Beckham is believed to be considering, and perhaps in the early stages, of forming a partnership with the Saputo family in Montréal, owners of USL Division One team the Montréal Impact, and long rumoured to be interested in acquiring a Major League Soccer franchise. Reports previously had linked the Saputo family with former Montréal Canadiens owner (currently in the process of selling the club to the Molson family) and current Liverpool FC co-owner, George Gillett, whose interest in soccer following the purchase of Liverpool led many to believe a Montréal-based MLS side would be next.

However, Beckham's interest in forming a partnership with Saputo in the football hotbed that is Montréal merits following. As the Times note, included in Beckham's MLS contract, signed in 2007, is the option to become a MLS franchise owner in the future. Beckham's involvement in the sport beyond his playing career has long been a matter of debate, though his series of football academies have proven massively successful in promoting youth soccer and building Beckham's image in the United States.

Major League Soccer have already intimated future plans to expand the league, including hopes of capitalizing on Montréal's interest and the infrastructure already in place, with 2012 rumoured to be a likely target for further expansion in Canada. Beckham's ties to Los Angeles, however, including the formation and success of his football academy there and his links with current MLS owners and investors AEG, may ultimately impact Beckham's eventual retirement plans beyond any early links with the Saputos and the City of Montréal. It remains to be seen how serious Beckham is about becoming a future franchise owner, and what opportunities may present themselves when England's most capped outfield player finally announces his retirement from the game.