American-Owned Premier League Clubs
Rewritten Article
The English Premier League, while on the field, remains mostly English, but off the pitch, it's turning into a playground for American investors.
With the latest news of San Francisco 49ers owners planning to buy Leeds United, the focus on American investors taking over the Europian football league intensifies.
11 out of the 20 Premier League teams in the upcoming 2025 season could be under American ownership, with the possibility of more if certain teams make it to the EPL. Currently, the top three teams in the Championship division are under American ownership, leading to the potential of 13 American-owned clubs in the EPL, accounting for around 65% of the teams.
Since acquiring the San Francisco 49ers in 1999, the York family could soon be adding Leeds United to their resume, making them the fifth NFL franchise with a team in the Premier League.
This trend is a point of contention for English fans, who have seen their ownership stake in the league they created dwindle year by year. As of now, only five of the top-flight clubs are British-owned, with the rest owned by investors from Saudi Arabia, Thailand, UAE, China, and Greece.
These American owners aren't just one-offs. They are top players in the international sports world, owning not just Premier League clubs but also NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL franchises.
5 out of the 11 American-owned clubs could potentially be in the EPL in 2025, with 3 owning NFL teams, 3 owning MLB franchises, and one each from the NBA and NHL.
The success of American billionaires, athletes, and celebrities in acquiring smaller clubs worldwide suggests that this trend is likely to continue. Liverpool, leading the EPL this season, is owned by John Henry, who also owns the Boston Red Sox and has LeBron James as a minority shareholder.
Arsenal, currently in second place, is under the control of Stan Kroenke, who also owns the LA Rams, as well as several other U.S. sports franchises.
The phenomenon started when Malcolm Glazer, owner of the Buccaneers, bought Manchester United in 2003. Since then, it has opened doors for other international investors to invest in the EPL.
Iranian-American Shahid Khan, who owns the Jaguars, bought Fulham FC a year after acquiring the team in 2012. Josh Harris, managing partner of the Sixers and Devils, bought the Washington Commanders from Daniel Snyder in 2023 and owns 18% of Crystal Palace FC.
Everton is now owned by American billionaire Dan Friedkin's group, which also includes NBA legend Jason Kidd. The Dodgers now own Chelsea, the Milwaukee Bucks own Aston Villa, and Bournemouth is owned by the Las Vegas Knights.
The spending spree doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. The massive potential return on investments attracted by American billionaires, athletes, and Hollywood superstars buying up smaller clubs worldwide indicates that this might just be the beginning.
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The Rise of American Ownership in the English Premier League
In recent years, there's been a growing trend of American ownership in the English Premier League. By the 2025 season, as many as 11 out of 20 Premier League clubs may be under American ownership, with more potential acquisitions possible as promotions occur[1][2].
Impact and Concerns
- Financial Influence: American investors see the Premier League as a gold mine for financial opportunities, injecting millions into the English clubs they buy and potentially reaping large returns on investments[1].
- Cultural Impact: While American investors bring new perspectives and strategies, some fans worry about the dilution of traditional British culture in English football[2].
- International Business Expertise: These American owners often bring vast business experience and connections from other industries, which can benefit the clubs they buy[3].
High-Profile Owners
- Liverpool FC: Controlled by John Henry, who also owns the Boston Red Sox and has LeBron James as a minority shareholder[4].
- Arsenal FC: Taken over by Stan Kroenke, who also owns the LA Rams as well as other U.S. sports franchises[4].
- Manchester United: Purchased in 2003 by the Glazer family,owners of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, opening the floodgates for foreign investment in the EPL[4].
- Fulham FC: Bought by Iranian-American Shahid Khan, who also owns the Jaguars since 2012[4].
- Crystal Palace FC: Partially owned by Josh Harris, managing partner of the Sixers and Devils[5].
- Everton FC: Now controlled by American billionaire Dan Friedkin's group, which includes NBA legend Jason Kidd[6].
- Aston Villa FC: Owned by the Milwaukee Bucks[7].
- Bournemouth FC: Now owned by Las Vegas Knights[8].
- By the 2025 season, 11 out of 20 Premier League clubs may be under American ownership.
- The York family, San Francisco 49ers owners, could soon acquire Leeds United, potentially making them the fifth NFL franchise with a team in the Premier League.
- The financial influence of American investors in the Premier League is significant, as they inject millions into the clubs they buy, potentially reaping large returns on investments.
- Liverpool FC, controlled by John Henry who also owns the Boston Red Sox, and Arsenal FC, under the control of Stan Kroenke who also owns the LA Rams, are high-profile examples of American ownership in the Premier League.
- Malcolm Glazer, owner of the Buccaneers, bought Manchester United in 2003, opening doors for other international investors to invest in the EPL.
- Shahid Khan, owner of the Jaguars, bought Fulham FC in 2012, and Josh Harris, managing partner of the Sixers and Devils, bought the Washington Commanders in 2023, are two notable American owners in European football leagues.
- The trend of American ownership in sports businesses, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and football in Europe, suggests that this trend is likely to continue, with massive potential returns on investments attracting American billionaires, athletes, and celebrities.
