“I’ve been involved in a lot of things, but I never could have imagined that,” Lynch said in a team statement. “As a young hyena, I always dreamed of playing on a professional team, but owning one is special.
“As I look back on some of my accomplishments – I retired before I was 30 and am now a professional club owner at the age of 35 – I will continue to count my blessings. Being a part of the Seattle Kraken is big for me. It gives me another chance to get a ring after helping bring the first NFL ring to town. And if you thought I was going anywhere, nope Seattle, I’m here! Stand up!!!!”
The team says Lynch will be part of the team’s “Hockey is for Everyone” campaign to help plan events to focus on young people and community activism.
Since retiring, Lynch has gained some experience on the business side of the sport. He is a co-owner of USL’s Oakland Roots SC; serves as team owner and fan captain alongside the likes of Richard Sherman and Quavo in the Fan Controlled Football League; and was named the NFLPA’s first-ever Chief Brand Ambassador.
Lynch is also no stranger to community outreach and youth activism, as his Fam 1st Family Foundation supports underserved youth in Oakland, California and the Bay Area in a variety of ways.
In 2015, Macklemore co-founded The Residency, a hip-hop and youth development program that creates opportunities for emerging artists in the area. He plans to work with the team and the Climate Pledge Arena to produce music events for the community.
“We are fortunate to have an incredibly strong group of investors who have guided the franchise for the past four years,” said Samantha Holloway, chair of Kraken’s Executive Committee. “We are now adding two hometown heroes who share our values and aspirations – to give back to this great city and continue to make hockey a sport for all.”