From smaller clubs with a lower fan base to top-flight leagues worldwide, celebrities have regularly looked for new business ventures within the football industry.
The success of Marvel superstar Ryan Reynolds and his partnership with the Welsh football club Wrexham has inspired many other celebrities to invest in football clubs.
While not all of these celebrities have dedicated as much time and resources as Ryan and his co-owner, Rob McElhenney, getting involved with football clubs can be lucrative side hustles for these celebrities.
Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenny – Wrexham
Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenny took over in 2021, rejuvenating a new hope for Wrexham AFC and its supporters. Purchasing the club for an estimated 2 million dollars, this has seen a significant increase in its value today of around £100 million. The large investment made here correlates with lots of success, achieving back-to-back promotions and reaching League 1, where they currently sit in a promotion place. Wrexham is gaining a worldwide fanbase following the two actors taking over, big enough to attract players like Ben Foster, who holds the record for most saves in the Premier League to the club. It is likely that Wrexham AFC will continue to grow in the years to come.
David Beckham – Inter Miami
Football is in his DNA, and David didn’t leave the football world for long. Investing in Inter Miami just 5 years after retiring. After investing in Miami, the club has been consistently rising. Recently, it has attracted players like Ballon D’Or winner Lionel Messi and UEFA Champions League winners Suarez, Alba, and Sergio Busquets. Inter Miami sits at the top of the MLS, currently unbeaten, hoping to get their hands on the club’s first MLS League title. A great rise from a new club.
LeBron James – Liverpool
In 2011, NBA superstar LeBron James made a bold move by investing in Liverpool FC, purchasing a 2% stake for $6.5 million. This decision has blossomed into a lucrative side hustle, generating over $40 million in profit over 14 years. By entering the football business early, LeBron has not only carved out a successful niche for himself but has also set a precedent for other American athletes eager to explore international sports markets. In 2021, he adjusted his investment portfolio, converting his shares into a 1% stake in Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the parent company still holding ownership of the Liverpool Football Club. This move solidified his influence in the realm of sports ownership and highlighted his vision as a trendsetter in the world of athletics.
Tom Brady – Birmingham City
About 20 months ago, Birmingham City surprised their fans by welcoming NFL legend Tom Brady, who purchased a minority stake in the club. Despite the excitement among Blues fans, Brady’s investment was not enough to prevent the team from being relegated in the 2023-24 season. During the summer transfer window, Birmingham City made significant investments, including re-signing former loanee Jay Stansfield for a club-record fee of £15 million. This strong spending strategy positions the club well for a potential promotion back to the Championship. While Brady may not be earning as much as others from his football investment, this venture remains a promising opportunity to watch in the future.
Stormzy & Wilfred Zaha – AFC Croydon Athletic
The three-man consortium, including the rapper, the footballer, and the lesser-known Danny Young, took the reins over the club in 2023. Having a troubled past with previous owners falling guilty to match-fixing scandals, the local superstars took it upon themselves to take control of the club. Founded by supporters of Croydon Athletic after being forced to fold due to the jailing of ex-owner Mazhar Mahjeed. Today, the club AFC Croydon Athletic sits 13th in the Isthmian South East league. The three investors have set out a plan to improve life in and around football in local areas for younger people, improving facilities for the younger generation. Coming to the back end of Wilfred Zaha’s footballing career at age 32, could this side hustle prove to be a profitable avenue for the ex-Crystal Palace man?.
What is in it for these celebrities?
Many celebrities have accumulated significant wealth throughout their careers, allowing them the option to retire comfortably. Yet, despite this financial freedom, they often pursue new business ventures for various reasons. Some seek to maintain an extravagant lifestyle, while others desire a stable income for their families’ future security.
After retiring from full-time work, many individuals may seek simple ways to earn extra income to maintain their lifestyle. Investing in a football club might appear to be a viable side hustle for these celebrities. While such clubs often require substantial investment, many other side hustles do not require such large investments and can generate a steady income stream.
Owning a football club, for instance, is a childhood dream for many and an exciting opportunity for those who are passionate about sports. It extends beyond financial gain, allowing celebrities to engage in athletics and community involvement while using their influence to inspire fans and foster a vibrant sporting culture.
