The Business of Entertainment: Eva Longoria

Eva Longoria’s journey from television icon to formidable investor redefines the intersection of entertainment and business. Through bold, strategic investments—from rescuing the John Wick franchise to supporting women-led brands and elevating Hispanic-owned businesses—Longoria exemplifies how purpose-driven decisions can yield powerful results
Picture of Elizabeth Jenkins-Smalley

Elizabeth Jenkins-Smalley

Editor In Chief at The Executive Magazine

Eva Longoria has steadily transformed herself from a celebrated actress into an influential powerhouse in entertainment investment. Her strategic decision-making, portfolio diversification, and commitment to authentic representation in her projects showcase her evolution from screen star to business mogul, with a distinctive focus on purposeful investments that reflect her values and ambitions.

Longoria’s journey as an investor began in 2014 with an unexpected and daring financial decision: a critical cash injection into the production of John Wick. The soon-to-be action classic faced shutdown when its directors, Chad Stahelski and David Leitch, lost nearly $6 million in gap financing just days before filming. Unfamiliar with the nuances of film financing, Longoria nevertheless provided the capital to keep the production afloat. This bold move allowed Stahelski and Leitch to complete the film, which ultimately grossed over $86 million and reignited Keanu Reeves’s career. For Longoria, it was an unplanned yet pivotal entry into Hollywood’s investment arena.

Since her John Wick investment, Longoria has carved a unique path by investing in ventures that align with her values and vision. She founded Hyphenate Media Group, a production company that has delivered projects like the Apple TV+ series Land of Women, in which she also stars. Her portfolio spans several industries, reflecting her thoughtful approach to impact-driven investment. Notable ventures include Casa Del Sol, a tequila brand emphasizing female leadership in a male-dominated industry; Angel City FC, a pioneering women’s soccer club co-owned with Natalie Portman; and Siete Foods, a Hispanic food brand that reached a valuation of over $1 billion after its recent sale to PepsiCo.

Longoria’s investment philosophy centres on aligning with people who share her passion, expertise, and relentless dedication. In the case of Casa Del Sol, she was drawn to the brand’s story and its representation of women in an industry where female distillers are rare. Her stake in Angel City FC, meanwhile, was born out of a vision to reshape the economics of women’s sports and support female athletes. The recent 14-fold return on her investment in Angel City FC underscores the potential of innovative business models to transform traditional markets.

Expanding her presence in sports, Longoria also invested in Club Necaxa, one of Mexico’s oldest soccer teams, aiming to elevate Mexican soccer’s profile in the U.S. Her production of a docuseries on the club highlights her broader commitment to culturally resonant storytelling and sports empowerment. Her relationship with Club Necaxa also links her to the rising trend of cross-industry collaborations; fellow celebrities Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, owners of Wrexham AFC, have invested in Necaxa, and Longoria recently filmed a segment for Welcome to Wrexham.

The success of Siete Foods is another example of Longoria’s commitment to supporting Hispanic-owned businesses that align with her heritage and values. A Texas-based family business, Siete Foods captured her interest from its infancy, and her belief in the brand’s mission contributed to its success and eventual acquisition by PepsiCo for $1.2 billion.

Longoria has expressed that her success stems not only from financial investment but from hands-on dedication. She actively participates in promotional events for Casa Del Sol, working to boost the brand’s awareness through social media and personal appearances. This hands-on approach extends to Siete Foods, where she has been involved in branding and marketing efforts to ensure the products resonate with a diverse and health-conscious audience.

Her production company, Hyphenate Media, is another key element in her business portfolio, allowing her to produce and direct content that elevates Latino and female voices in Hollywood. Through Hyphenate, Longoria aims to cultivate the next generation of Latinx actors, writers, and producers, ensuring that her influence continues through the talents she mentors and develops.

Reflecting on her journey, Longoria recognises that her early investment in John Wick was both fortuitous and transformative. Her curiosity about how to maximise financial returns has evolved into an astute understanding of market dynamics, positioning her as an influential figure in the entertainment industry’s evolving landscape. As she continues to expand her portfolio, Longoria is committed to blending cultural resonance with profitable, socially conscious investments.

Longoria’s focus on empowering the Latino community and women in every field she touches marks her as a distinctive presence in Hollywood and beyond. Her success exemplifies a visionary approach to the business of entertainment, where purpose and profitability intersect to create lasting impact.

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