Ken Griffey Jr. joins ownership group of MLS club Seattle Sounders

The Seattle Sounders confirmed on Tuesday that Griffey Jr., along with his wife, Melissa, and family, have been added to the team's ownership group that includes Seattle Seahawks quarterback and Super Bowl champion Russell Wilson, Wilson's wife and entertainment superstar Ciara, and rapper Macklemore. 

Griffey spent 13 of his 22 MLB years with the Mariners and is widely viewed as the greatest player in team history. He sits seventh on the all-time home run list with 630. 

"This is a meaningful day for our entire family," Griffey said in a prepared statement shared by Jeff Carlisle of ESPN. "My wife Melissa and I said that we wanted to be a part of something special, not only for ourselves, but for our kids to be proud of, and this is it. We know how much this club means to Sounders fans, and for us, this comes back to the city where it all started for our family. We are joining a first-class organization, and we are so proud to give back to the city we love. To the Seattle Sounders community: we are inspired to become part of what you have created. Like you, we are excited to get behind our incredible team as the players prepare for this year's playoff run."

Seattle won the MLS Cup in 2016 and 2019, and Griffey led supporters in “Scarves Up” ahead of last year's title win over Toronto FC.