David Beckham: Creating A ‘Legacy In America’ Was Behind Inter Miami Purchase

BreakingInnovationDavid Beckham: Creating A ‘Legacy In America’ Was Behind Inter Miami PurchaseBySofia Chierchio,Fellow.Follow AuthorJun 03, 2026, 01:44pm EDTToplineDavid Beckham’s decision to stick with his investment in Inter Miami after years of failed plans and ownership changes was ultimately about building a “legacy in America” and helping lift soccer here to “another level,” he said at the Forbes 2026 Iconoclast Summit on Wednesday, as the U.S. prepares to co-host the World Cup for the first time in 32 years. Sir David Beckham at the 2026 Forbes Iconoclast Summit.Getty ImagesKey FactsBeckham said he knew he wanted to work and live in the United States after he “fell in love” with America during the last time the U.S. hosted the World Cup in 1994.He noted that helping build Inter Miami was “the biggest challenge in my career personally and professionally” after it fell $39 million in debt following three failed stadium plans. At one point, MLS commissioner Don Garber offered to buy back the team for $50 million, to which Beckham says he responded: “No, Don, I believe in this,” adding, “That’s all I had to say.” Beckham also somewhat emotionally described being knighted by King Charles in November, stating, “It doesn't get better than that.”Beckham spoke at the Forbes Iconoclast conference after recently being named a billionaire.In addition to his 26% stake in Inter Miami, Beckham’s wealth comes from his career as one of the most recognizable athletes in the world and his endorsement deals continue 12 years after retiring—he made $100 million last year from deals with Nespresso and Adidas, among others. if (!window.cnxel) { window.cnxel = {}; window.cnxel.cmd = []; var iframe = document.createElement('iframe'); iframe.style.display = 'none'; iframe.onload = function() { var iframeDoc = iframe.contentWindow.document; var script = iframeDoc.createElement('script'); script.src = '//cd.elements.video/player.js?cid=62cec241-7d09-4462-afc2-f72f8d8ef40a'; script...