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Edmonton Oilers star Leon Draisaitl has confirmed his involvement with a new soccer league co-founded by former Germany and Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos.
Draisaitl shared a video on Instagram on Wednesday, announcing his collaboration with The Icon League, an indoor soccer league based in Germany.
According to Ryley Delaney of the Oilersnation, Leon Draisaitl will reportedly serve as a co-owner alongside former soccer player Claudio Pizarro. The Icon League was established by German streamer Elias Nerlich and the recently retired soccer icon Toni Kroos.
Kroos played for a decade with Real Madrid and culminated his career by winning the UEFA Champions League last month. It was his sixth Champions League tile and a record-extending 15th overall for Madrid.
Kroos and Germany were eliminated by Spain in the quarter-finals of the 2024 European Championship. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Kroos is reported to have a net worth of $25 million.
The league is set to kick off in September. Some of the notable soccer players to play in the league include David Alaba and Frank Ribery. Meanwhile, Leon Draisaitl's involvement appears to be centered on ownership.
Insider on Leon Draisaitl's potential extension terms with Oilers
The speculations surrounding Leon Deraisaitl's future with the Edmonton Oilers are escalating, with no new contract currently being offered. According to NHL insider David Pagnotta, discussions are in place regarding Draisaitl's contract.
The potential scenario Pagnotta suggested is a shorter-term agreement akin to Auston Matthews' contract with the Maple Leafs, possibly spanning between three and five years, diverging from the traditional eight-year commitment.
On the "Hello Hockey Podcast," Pagnotta said:
“They’re going to continue their discussions with respect to an extension. Unless something has changed, since, I guess, the start of the playoffs, it’s more likely to see an Auston Matthews-esque-type extension. Four, five-year deal. Or, anywhere between a three to five-year extension versus a full eight.”
The 28-year-old German forward is in the final year of his eight-year $8.5 million AAV contract and can extend his tenure with the club at any time.
Amid rumors regarding his contract extension, Leon Draisaitl took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message with the Oilers fans, expressing gratitude and appreciation for their unwavering support throughout the season.
"A bitter end to a tremendous season. I am confident the growth our group experienced will propel us to the top. Thank you #OilCountry for your unwavering support all season long," Leon Draisaitl wrote.
