Sport
Which 6 Premier League clubs have American owners?
When it comes to the world’s biggest sporting competitions, the English Premier League and the USA’s big four leagues at the top of the list. So it’s unsurprising that some franchises in both nations are closer than you think. In fact, several teams on both sides of the Atlantic are owned by the same partners or company. The sharing of these resources ensures owners have a hand in many of the world’s biggest sporting markets and reap the rewards week after week. So which Premier League clubs have American owners?
The 6 Premier League clubs with American owners
Arsenal (The Kroenke Family)
For fans of The Gunners, life under the Kroenke family has been one of growing frustration. Having seen Arsenal struggle for several seasons, supporters have been urging Stan Kroenke to splash the cash to re-shape the club and even protesting against him regularly.
It’s because Kroenke owns a vast sporting network in the US – particularly in Denver. Kroenke’s stranglehold on the Colorado city sporting sides is huge as he owns their NBA and NHL sides – the Denver Nuggets and the Colorado Avalanche. He is also the owner of the NFL’s LA Rams and was the mastermind of moving the franchise from St Louis to Los Angeles. Kroenke’s ownership of all these sides turns each club into a profitable gold mine – regardless of how successful the club may be. It’s a recipe that breeds stability if albeit at the expense of the fans.
Aston Villa (Wes Edens)
As Aston Villa found themselves rebuilding and re-joining the Premier League in the 2010s, it was all change at the top of the club too. Out went Chinese entrepreneur Tony Xia and in came a consortium led by telecom magnate Naseem Sawiris and American investor Wes Edens. It was Edens though who brings the sporting links to Birmingham being co-owner of NBA franchise Milwaukee Bucks.
Edens’ presence at the club has helped bring major financial and sporting merit back to Villa Park allowing themselves to re-establish their place as a bonafide Premier League side. It’s been a move that has been met with plenty of support from Villa fans and one that has kept both parties happy in recent years. With plenty of investment in the Villa team making them stronger, Aston Villa are one of the Premier League clubs whose fans are happy to have American owners.
Crystal Palace (Josh Harris & David Blitzer)
After Crystal Palace went through a financial crisis in the late-2000s, their future as a club seemed uncertain but was eventually rescued by a consortium headed by businessman and fan Steve Parish. This later led to investment from American duo Josh Harris & David Blitzer who now majority own the club with Parish continuining to operate as chairman.
It was the Premier League presence of the team that secured the investment from the new American owners who were looking to expand their sporting network into Europe. Already the owners of NHL side New Jersey Devils and the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, Harris and Blitzer brought their money and expertise to London ensuring that The Eagles maintained their spot in the top-flight. It was just the start of the American’s expansion into Europe with their company with the company now part owner of top-flight sides in Germany, Belgium, and Spain.
Leeds (49ers Company)
Leeds have been through their fair share of owners this century, but they have finally found security and success with their current owners. Originally bought by Italian broadcasting specialist Andrea Radrizzani in 2017, he sought further investment which arrived in the form of the York family – owners of the NFL side – the San Francisco 49ers.
With the added support of a major NFL franchise, Leeds have enjoyed financial security that they have not had in almost two decades. Now with a spot in the Premier League, Leeds will use their newfound financial might to keep their feet firmly in the English top flight.
Liverpool (Fenway Sports)
Being one of England’s biggest Premier League clubs, Liverpool have always attracted big investment and that included American owners John Henry and Tom Werner. Seeing the potential for success on Merseyside, the brainchild of the Fenway Sports Group purchased Liverpool in 2-1- from compatriot George Gillette.
Henry and Werner brought with them huge money as owners of the MLB side Boston Red Sox and the NHL’s Pittsburgh Pirates. The club has invested heavily since then forming a world-class squad that finally brought the club’s first league title back in over 3 decades. Add into the mix a host of domestic and continental trophies and Fenway Sports have become a much-welcomed owner into the hearts of all at Anfield.
Manchester United (The Glazers)
Has there been a more controversial ownership than that of The Glazer Family at Manchester United? Malcolm Glazer bought The Red Devils in 2005 having used his ties with the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers to establish his sporting credentials. Whilst United enjoyed a slew of titles in the initial years under Glazer’s ownership, the club’s subsequent dry spell in trophies has brought criticism from many devoted fans.
The club has continued to attract the best of the best to Old Trafford in terms of quality even if the end results don’t reflect that. With Glazer seemingly comfortable with his status in Manchester, it’s likely this love-hate relationship will continue for many years to come.
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