Wrexham Mania: Celebrity ownership of football teams, trending

Posted : 26 October 2024

The trend of celebrity ownership in football is gaining momentum, with Hollywood stars and musicians increasingly interested in buying stakes in clubs across the British Isles. Following the acquisition of Wrexham by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in 2020, more famous faces are exploring similar opportunities. Among the latest are members of popular boy bands, such as Shane Lynch and Keith Duffy from Boyzone and Brian McFadden from Westlife, who are eager to join the ranks of celebrity owners in English football.

These celebrities recently took the plunge and purchased Chorley, a club in the Sixth Division, aiming to elevate its status and mirror the success of Wrexham. With aspirations to climb the ranks and gain recognition, they hope to recreate the excitement surrounding Reynolds and McElhenney's journey from the lower divisions to higher competition. This trend indicates a shift away from traditional ownership models dominated by billionaires and oligarchs, with a new generation of owners emerging.

During an appearance on *Good Morning Britain*, Brian McFadden expressed his excitement about the venture, describing it as a childhood dream come true. He shared how the initiative began with Shane Lynch’s sports car company and the interest it sparked in purchasing the club. While they remain fans of Manchester United, they are committed to supporting Chorley and helping to grow the team and its fan base.

The duo's enthusiasm is evident as they aim to enhance the community spirit around Chorley FC, which reminds them of their upbringing in Dublin. Their goal is to foster a vibrant atmosphere that encourages local support while also bringing new fans to the fold. Keith emphasized the importance of this venture, focusing on developing the club and nurturing its players, many of whom balance football with day jobs.

The comparison to the Wrexham project is unavoidable, given its transformative impact. Since Reynolds and McElhenney purchased Wrexham, the club has made significant strides, now competing in the Third Division after rising from the Fifth. The Irish trio hopes to replicate this journey with Chorley, aiming for a similar ascent in English football. Their approach centers on patience and community engagement, recognizing the hard work required to achieve their ambitions.

As celebrity interest in football ownership expands, A$AP Rocky, the rap star known for his relationship with Rihanna, is reportedly looking to invest in Tranmere Rovers. His group is exploring a potential acquisition, which could further highlight the trend of celebrity involvement in the sport. This proposed deal, valued at around £15 million, aims to create a docuseries to boost the club's profile and engage a global fan base.

Meanwhile, on the Premier League side, billionaire John Textor is negotiating to buy Everton from Farhad Moshiri, potentially involving Jay-Z as an investor. Jay-Z, whose wealth has been amassed through various ventures, has a history of interest in football, previously expressing a desire to acquire shares in Arsenal. With this growing trend of celebrity ownership, the landscape of English football is undergoing a transformation, moving towards a future where stars from various fields take on significant roles within the sport.

Wrexham Mania: Celebrity ownership of football teams, trending

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