On Wednesday, Everton hosted Liverpool in the 245th edition of their historic rivalry. However, this match marked a new chapter in the storied competition—the first time both clubs were under American ownership. This shift reflects a broader trend that has transformed English soccer: the growing influence of American investors.
The Rise of American Ownership
Prior to 2005, no club in the English Premier League had American owners. Fast forward two decades, and half of the league’s 20 teams are now controlled by U.S.-based investors. The current list of American-owned Premier League clubs includes:
- Arsenal – Stan Kroenke
- Aston Villa – Wes Edens
- Bournemouth – Bill Foley
- Chelsea – Todd Boehly, Clearlake Capital
- Crystal Palace – John Textor, Josh Harris, David Blitzer
- Everton – The Friedkin Group
- Fulham – Shahid Khan
- Ipswich Town – ORG, BPSP, and Avenue Sports
- Liverpool – Fenway Sports Group
- Manchester United – The Glazer Family
Beyond the Premier League, American investors own nine clubs in the EFL Championship and nearly one-third of the teams across England’s top four divisions. Their influence extends beyond England, with U.S.-based groups controlling over 20 clubs across Europe’s “Big Five” leagues, including Italian giants Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Roma.
Why Are Americans Investing in European Soccer?
One key driver behind this trend is the relatively lower cost of acquiring European soccer clubs compared to equivalent sports franchises in the United States. Additionally, the European promotion-relegation system presents an opportunity for investors to purchase lower-tier clubs and realize substantial financial gains if they achieve promotion to the top leagues.
For instance, Todd Boehly, owner of Chelsea, also holds stakes in the Los Angeles Dodgers and Lakers. His experience in American sports has shaped his approach to club management, with an emphasis on maximizing commercial revenues and global branding.
A Culture Clash: Business vs. Tradition
While American investors aim to modernize operations and enhance commercial success, their approach has often clashed with English football culture. Many fans see their clubs as community institutions rather than profit-driven businesses. This friction has led to skepticism and, in some cases, outright opposition to American ownership.
Bruce Schoenfeld of The New York Times Magazine notes that many American owners are rarely seen at matches, which fuels fan resentment. Former Manchester United player and commentator Gary Neville has gone so far as to call American investors “a clear and present danger” to the fabric of the game. Similarly, veteran journalist Henry Winter has criticized Chelsea owner Todd Boehly for prioritizing business interests over the sport itself.
Celebrity Involvement: The Hollywood Connection
Beyond billionaires and private equity firms, American celebrities have also entered the English soccer scene as minority owners. High-profile names include:
- LeBron James (Liverpool)
- Michael B. Jordan (Bournemouth)
- Will Ferrell (Leeds United)
- J.J. Watt (Burnley)
- Tom Brady (Birmingham City)
- Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney (Wrexham)
The presence of celebrities has added a new dimension to English football, increasing media attention and turning matches into major cultural events. A prime example was the “Hollywood Derby” between Birmingham City and Wrexham, where Tom Brady and Rob McElhenney’s ownership stakes turned the game into a paparazzi spectacle.
The Future of American Influence in English Soccer
As more U.S. investors enter the soccer world, the debate over their impact will continue. While their business-driven approach may modernize clubs and expand global reach, many fans fear that the essence of their beloved teams could be lost in the process. Whether American ownership will ultimately be a net positive for English football remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the landscape of the game has changed forever.