American owners have taken over some of England’s football club sides over the last decade, and they’re still coming in.
As we know, a lot of business magnates are particularly determined to get in on English top-flight football, as the Premier League has become a playground for wealthy investors. The massive popularity and the competitive nature of the Premier Leagues bring in tons of revenues from merchandise sales, tickets, broadcasting rights, and sponsorship deals – which has, in turn, attract the attention of moneybags.
Americans are known to possess business acumen and you’ll find them staking money on profitable sporting ventures.
Here are The Top 5 American Owners In The Premier League
- Stan Kroenke – Arsenal
The American billionaire became Arsenal’s majority shareholder in 2018 following his purchase of Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov’s share, taking his ownership of the club beyond 90 percent.
Kroenke has since overseen a period of decline for the North London club, with the Gunners currently enduring a five-year UEFA Champions League absence after being a regular in the most prestigious club competition for 19 years in a row under Wenger.
The Missouri-born net worth is believed to be somewhere between £5.7 billion and £6.4 billion. Kroenke is also the biggest landowner in the United States according to Land Report, which places him in the top 10 in the country alongside the likes of John Malone and Ted Turner.
In early 2021, the American business magazine Forbes put his net worth at £5.8 billion while Bloomberg estimated it to be £6.9 billion.
- The Glazer’s Family – Manchester United
One of the most successful English football clubs happens to have an American as their owner too.
Before the Glazers family came to acquire United, millionaire businessman J.P McManus and John Magnier were the second-highest shareholders in Manchester United Football Club.
They spent almost £7.4 million to take their stake in the football club to just under 9 percent. As a result of their clash with then-manager Sir Alex Ferguson, the pair agreed to sell their share to Malcolm Glazer reported to be around €335 million.
In 2005, Malcolm Glazer take full ownership of the club spending around £9m on the first 2.9% in 2003 and since then they’ve been Manchester United’s owner.
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- John Henry – Liverpool
Fenway Sports Group (FSG) led by Henry bought Liverpool in 2010 from previous owners Tom Hicks and George Gillette, after the joint owners fell out of favor with the Anfield fans.
It is believed that the Liverpool owner made his wealth from his investment management company J.W Henry & Co before the turn of the millennium.
According to a Forbes report on the richest people in America, Fenway Sports Group (FSG) owner John Henry has seen his wealth grow by approximately £584 million since April 2021.
With the growth, his net worth has appreciated since April, which sees the American owner named on the list of America’s wealthiest people placed in number 318.
- Joshua Harris – Crystal Palace
Josh Harris alongside David Blitzer first invested an initial £50 million in Crystal Palace in 2015, matching the stake owned by the team Chairman Steve Parish.
The American owner also owns an NBA team in the US named the Philadelphia 76ers and NHL team New Jersey Devils.
Harris is one of the four principal investors at the South London club, along with Blitzer, John Textor, and Steve Parish and they’re all responsible for all the major decisions at the club.
Harris played an important role in Patrick Vieira’s move to Palace having seen him managed in the Major League Soccer with New York City Football Club.
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- Alan Pace – Burnley
Alan Pace is a 53-year-old owner of Burnley. The American ALK Capitals took over 84% of the club share in December 2020, reported to cost £200 million replacing Mike Garlick as chairman at Turf Moor.
The American is an experienced business magnate with over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry and over a decade of sports management.
Pace is also a former partner at SCP Worldwide LLC, owner of sports, entertainment, and media properties, and a previous CEO of Major League Soccer franchise Real Salt Lake where he oversaw the transformation of the club that cumulated into winning the 2009 MLS Cup.
Since Pace assumed ownership at Burnley, he has brought in a new enthusiasm for the fans who’re still hoping for massive changes in performances and business-wise.
Featured Image Credit:The Telegraph
