US Investment Dominates Premier League Ownership

Strategic Insights -

The English Premier League has more clubs with US investment than any other major European football league, a recent report has shown. Over half of the 20 Premier League clubs in England have US investor participation, ranging from 100% ownership to smaller stakes. This surpasses Serie A, Ligue 1, LaLiga, and the Bundesliga in terms of US investor involvement.

Key Takeaways:

  • 13 out of 20 Premier League clubs in England have US investor participation, with investments ranging from 100% ownership to smaller stakes.
  • The number of Premier League clubs with US investment is higher than in Serie A, Ligue 1, LaLiga, and the Bundesliga.
  • 11 out of 22 Premier League clubs are backed by private equity or venture capital as of July this year.
  • Nearly 40% of all clubs across the Big Five European leagues have some PE or VC participation in the ownership hierarchy.
  • 48% of the 96 clubs across the top flights of England, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain are part of multi-club ownership structures, including Red Bull Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg; and Manchester City and Girona.
  • Two Premier League clubs, Arsenal and Fulham, are entirely owned by a single American investor, Stan Kroenke and Shahid Khan, respectively.
  • Private capital is evolving and professionalising its presence in the game, despite recent events introducing greater caution.
  • The core investment thesis in football remains intact: football offers limited supply, strong global demand, and growing monetisation potential, driving higher revenues and club valuations.

Statistics:

  • 13 out of 20 Premier League clubs have US investor participation.
  • 11 out of 22 Premier League clubs are backed by private equity or venture capital as of July this year.
  • 48% of 96 top-flight clubs across Europe are in multi-club ownership structures.
  • 40% of all clubs in the Big Five European leagues have PE or VC participation.
  • 2 out of 20 Premier League clubs are entirely owned by a single American investor.

Sources:

  • PitchBook report "Private Capital in European Football: Part III"
  • The City AM article "Premier League: What to look out for to avoid football ticket scams"
  • The City AM article "Sky announces largest-ever Premier League sponsorship deal"
  • The City AM article "Premier League: How to spot and avoid ticket scams"
  • The City AM article "Who owns each Premier League club as US shareholdings boom"