Memphis Americans Announces Transfer of Majority Ownership

MEMPHIS, TN – Memphis Americans announces transfer of majority ownership from A-League Sports, LLC to Lanier James of James Pest Management. Previously holding minority shares with the club, Mr. James assumes operational control with the acquisition of additional shares. 

Andrew G. Haines, owner/operator of A-League Sports, LLC and Michael Taylor re-introduced the club as a professional soccer team after an almost 30-year hiatus to competition in 2021, holding majority shares. Lanier James purchased minority shares before the team first kicked off that same year.  

Memphis Americans was the first team announced in the National Indoor Soccer League (NISL) in 2021 when the league was launched. Other teams joining them included Fayetteville (NC) Fury, Columbus (GA) Rapids and Rome (GA) Gladiators. 

In its second year, NISL added two expansion teams in Florida: Central Florida (Orlando) Crusaders and Tampa Bay Strikers. NISL is unique in its approach to club operations and game days, featuring both men’s and women’s teams competing in double headers throughout the season. 

On the transfer of A-League's majority shares, Mr. Haines said, “We are incredibly pleased to keep the majority ownership of the team in the family, so to speak. This move allows us to shift day-to-day operational responsibility to Lanier, but still maintain ownership of the team, supporting the Americans in new ways. We are excited to see how the team grows under his direction.” 

With the transfer of majority shares from A-League Sports, LLC, Memphis Americans becomes the first team to adopt the new NISL ownership model where local ownership will be responsible for control and oversight of club operations. Additional minority owners are retaining their shares in the same percentages after the execution of the new deal.