Unlocking the Trend: Why Wealthy Americans are Investing in British Soccer Teams

Bournemouth, located on the beautiful south coast of England, is a charming seaside town known for its sandy beaches and classic fish and chips. Recently, Bournemouth’s men’s soccer team faced off against Fulham in a tightly contested Premier League match.

Interestingly, both teams share an American ownership. This trend is growing; over half of the 92 teams in England’s top four leagues now have American investors. Notable teams like Liverpool and Manchester United are part of this shift, reflecting a broader trend of U.S. investment in British soccer.

Jim Frevola, Bournemouth’s business manager, shared insights on this trend. The lower price of entering the Premier League compared to American sports leagues makes it attractive for investors. He compared Premier League team prices to the billions required for NFL or NBA franchises, emphasizing the value of owning a soccer team in the top league.

Frevola has been impressed by the passion that English fans show for the sport. He said, “Sports here are integral to life—it’s truly special.” This sentiment mirrors a growing enthusiasm for soccer in the U.S., with about 40 million American fans following British soccer, according to Ben Wright, the English Football League’s chief commercial officer.

Kevin Nagle, who owns Huddersfield, humorously remarked on the influx of American investors: “Instead of saying ‘the British are coming,’ we say ‘the Americans are coming.’” He values the rich history of British soccer and noted how many fans trace their family loyalty back generations.

Celebrity involvement has also drawn attention to British teams. Ryan Reynolds, alongside Rob McElhenney, documented their journey with Wrexham in the series Welcome to Wrexham, further increasing interest. Actors like Will Ferrell and Michael B. Jordan have also joined the ownership ranks, showcasing the fascination with British soccer in popular culture.

Christina Philippou, an academic in sport finance, explained that while celebrities might hold minority stakes, their involvement helps boost a club’s profile and attract commercial partnerships. She noted a noticeable increase in investment in women’s soccer, partly fueled by American interest, which contrasts with traditional funding patterns in the UK.

Despite occasional fears among British fans about potential changes—like American-style all-star games—Frevola reassured supporters that they aim to enhance rather than overhaul the sport.

In the pub atmosphere near Bournemouth’s stadium, most fans express their support for owner Bill Foley. Although ticket prices have slightly increased, fans appreciate the visible improvements, including stadium upgrades and increased capacity. Supporters feel optimistic; the future looks bright for the club under American ownership.

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