Why Are American Billionaires and Celebrities Flocking to British Soccer?
It’s not just about the love of the game—though that’s a big part of it. From Hollywood A-listers to tech moguls, Americans are pouring billions into British soccer teams, and the reasons might surprise you. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this a genuine passion for the sport, or a savvy business move disguised as fandom? Let’s dive in.
Picture this: Bournemouth, a charming seaside town on England’s south coast, known for its golden beaches and fish and chips. In October 2025, the local soccer team hosted Fulham, London’s oldest professional club, in a nail-biting Premier League match. Sounds quintessentially British, right? Wrong. Both teams are owned by Americans. And they’re not alone. Iconic clubs like Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United—with global fanbases—now fly under the Stars and Stripes. And this is the part most people miss: More than half of the 92 teams in England and Wales’ top four leagues have American ownership, with investments spreading to Scotland and beyond.
So, what’s the allure? According to Jim Frevola, Bournemouth’s president of business operations, it’s all about affordability—relatively speaking. Compared to the eye-watering prices of NFL or NBA franchises, which can cost upwards of $8 billion, Premier League teams are a bargain. “It’s the best league in the world of the best sport in the world,” Frevola explains. But it’s not just about the price tag. The passion of British soccer fans is unmatched. “This is their life,” Frevola says. “People live and breathe for their teams. That’s special. That’s unique.”
Take Kevin Nagle, a healthcare and real estate investor who bought Huddersfield, a third-tier team in Yorkshire, sight unseen. “I guess instead of saying the British are coming, we say the Americans are coming,” he jokes. Nagle, who also owns Sacramento Republic in California, is drawn to the rich history of British soccer. “Fans here have generations of family ties to their teams,” he notes. “That kind of tradition doesn’t exist in the U.S.”
But here’s the twist: Celebrities are getting in on the action too. Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney made headlines with their purchase of Wrexham, a Welsh club now in its fourth season under their ownership. Their documentary, Welcome to Wrexham, has turned the team into a global phenomenon. LeBron James, Snoop Dogg, and Michael B. Jordan are also in the mix, investing in Liverpool, Swansea, and Bournemouth, respectively. Even TV shows like Ted Lasso, about an American coach managing a London soccer team, have fueled U.S. interest in the sport.
Christina Philippou, a sport finance expert at the University of Portsmouth, points out that celebrity involvement often comes in the form of minority stakes. “They use their status to boost the club’s image and attract commercial partnerships,” she explains. But American owners aren’t just cashing in—they’re investing in women’s soccer too, an area where the U.S. has traditionally led. “American money has helped grow women’s football within British clubs,” Philippou adds.
Meanwhile, British soccer is gaining traction in the U.S., with up to 40 million fans tuning in on networks like CBS. The pandemic accelerated this trend, as locked-down Americans discovered the sport. And with Lionel Messi playing for Inter Miami and the 2026 World Cup set to be hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, the sport’s popularity is only set to soar.
But not everyone is cheering. Some British fans worry American owners might push for radical changes, like playing league games in the U.S. Frevola dismisses these fears: “I’ve heard crazy ideas like all-star games. That’s never going to happen.” In Bournemouth, fans like Ceri Morgan and Dom Webb are largely supportive, citing improved stadium facilities and a brighter future for their team.
So, is the American takeover of British soccer a win-win, or a cultural clash waiting to happen? What do you think? Are American owners preserving the soul of the sport, or turning it into just another business venture? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over.
