American Ownership in British Soccer: A Growing Trend Shaping the Premier League Landscape
Located on the south coast of England in Dorset, Bournemouth is a charming seaside town famous for its sandy beaches and traditional fish and chips. Recently, Bournemouth's men's soccer team faced off against Fulham, London's oldest professional soccer team, in a closely contested Premier League match. Surprisingly, both of these English teams are actually owned by Americans, a trend that is becoming increasingly common in the world of soccer. In fact, more than half of the top four leagues in England and Wales have some form of American ownership, with investors also showing interest in teams across Europe and Scotland.
Jim Frevola, the president of business operations for Bournemouth, highlights the affordability of owning British soccer teams compared to major sports franchises in the U.S. He emphasizes the appeal of the Premier League as the best league in the world for the best sport in the world. Frevola, who moved from America to Bournemouth to work for billionaire owner Bill Foley, has been impressed by the passion and dedication of English soccer fans, describing it as a unique and special experience.
Kevin Nagle, a health care and real estate investor, purchased Huddersfield, a third-tier team in Yorkshire, two years ago. He acknowledges the rich history and traditions of British soccer, which he finds captivating. Nagle, who also owns a soccer team in California, appreciates the deep-rooted connections fans have with their teams in the UK, a sentiment echoed by many American investors in British soccer.
The involvement of U.S. celebrities in British soccer teams has brought additional attention to the sport. Stars like Will Ferrell, Snoop Dogg, LeBron James, and Michael B. Jordan have invested in various teams, with some even producing documentaries about their ownership experiences. The success of TV shows like Ted Lasso has further fueled American interest in British soccer, showcasing the unique culture and passion surrounding the sport.
Christina Philippou, an associate professor in accounting and sport finance, notes that celebrity involvement in soccer teams can enhance the club's image and attract external income through commercial partnerships. She highlights the increased investment in women's football at British franchises, partly driven by American investors who have shown more interest in supporting women's soccer. The commercialization of British soccer under American ownership has brought new opportunities and growth to the sport.
In the U.S., the popularity of British soccer is on the rise, with a growing audience of up to 40 million fans tuning in to watch matches on platforms like CBS. Ben Wright, the chief commercial officer for the English Football League, observes a surge in soccer interest during the pandemic, as people turned to sports for entertainment. With the upcoming World Cup jointly hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, the sport's global appeal is expected to expand further.
While some British soccer fans express concerns about potential changes under American ownership, Bournemouth's business manager Jim Frevola reassures fans that major overhauls are not on the agenda. Despite aiming to grow the team's fan base in the USA, Frevola emphasizes the importance of preserving the club's traditions and values. Fans at a pub near Bournemouth's Vitality Stadium express support for American owner Bill Foley, citing visible improvements and a sense of optimism for the team's future.