Inside world of US millionaires bankrolling Birmingham and Wrexham from mansions and celebrity wives to...

Here’s the lowdown on the American money men ploughing fortunes into English football

Things are hotting up in the race for the Championship play-offs, with Huddersfield, Middlesbrough and Millwall doing battle for the final two spots.

But away from the on-field action, there’s another fascinating story unfolding behind the scenes - the increasing influence of American money in English football.

Meet the American owners transforming English football

In recent years, a growing number of US investors have been buying into English clubs, attracted by the sport’s global appeal and the potential for significant financial returns.

One of the most high-profile examples is the takeover of Birmingham City by Maxi Lopez, the former Barcelona and AC Milan striker. Lopez, who is married to Wanda Nara, the agent and wife of Paris Saint-Germain forward Mauro Icardi, has ambitious plans to transform the Blues into a Premier League force.

Another American investor making waves in English football is Rob McElhenney, the co-creator and star of the hit TV show It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. McElhenney, along with fellow actor Ryan Reynolds, bought Wrexham in 2020 and have since overseen a remarkable turnaround in the club’s fortunes.

McElhenney and Reynolds have invested heavily in Wrexham’s infrastructure and playing squad, and the club is now on the cusp of promotion to League Two.

Other notable American owners in English football include:

• Todd Boehly - Chelsea
• Stan Kroenke - Arsenal
• John Henry - Liverpool
• Fenway Sports Group - Liverpool
• Josh Harris - Crystal Palace
• David Blitzer - Crystal Palace

Why are Americans investing in English football?

There are a number of reasons why American investors are increasingly interested in buying English football clubs.

First, the sport has a global appeal, with millions of fans around the world. This makes it an attractive investment opportunity for those looking to tap into a large and passionate market.

Second, English football is a well-established and well-regulated industry. This provides investors with a degree of certainty and stability that is not always found in other sports.

Third, the potential for financial returns is significant. The Premier League is the most lucrative football league in the world, and even clubs in the lower divisions can generate substantial revenue from broadcasting rights, merchandise sales and other commercial activities.

• The global appeal of English football: With millions of fans around the world, English football is a highly attractive investment opportunity for those looking to tap into a large and passionate market.
• The stability of English football: English football is a well-established and well-regulated industry, which provides investors with a degree of certainty and stability that is not always found in other sports.
• The potential for financial returns: The Premier League is the most lucrative football league in the world, and even clubs in the lower divisions can generate substantial revenue from broadcasting rights, merchandise sales and other commercial activities.

The report revealed that Roman Abramovich's reign as Chelsea owner came to an end, with the Russian-Israeli billionaire selling the club to a consortium led by American businessman Todd Boehly.

The takeover of Chelsea by an American-led consortium is the latest in a series of high-profile investments by US investors in English football. In recent years, a growing number of American owners have bought into English clubs, attracted by the sport's global appeal and the potential for significant financial returns.

The trend of American investment in English football is likely to continue in the coming years, as more and more US investors see the potential for growth and profitability in the world's most popular sport.

As American ownership becomes more commonplace in English football, it will be interesting to see how the landscape of the game changes. Will the American owners bring new ideas and innovations to the sport? Will they be able to maintain the success of their clubs on and off the pitch? Only time will tell.

But one thing is for sure, the increasing influence of American money in English football is a fascinating story that is set to continue for many years to come.