sports ownership

Tom Brady Expands Sports Ownership Portfolio To English Soccer Team

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Former NFL quarterback Tom Brady has added another asset to his ever-growing sports ownership portfolio. Brady, who already owns stakes in the Las Vegas Aces and Las Vegas Raiders, was recently announced as a new minority owner of Birmingham City Football Club. Birmingham City currently plays in the Championship, the second tier of English soccer. However, the team has been in a slump in recent years. They had not finished higher than 17th in the 24-team league since 2016.

According to a statement released by the club, Brady will serve as the chairman of the advisory board at the club. Furthermore, he will “apply his extensive leadership experience and expertise across several components of the club, including working alongside the sports science department to advise on health, nutrition, wellness, and recovery systems and programs.” However, Brady will be the first to admit that he’s got a lot to learn. “Maybe you’re asking what do you know about English football, Tom? Well let’s just say I’ve got a lot to learn. But I do know a few things about winning, and I think they may translate pretty well. I know success starts with the work put in when the world isn’t watching. I know a team is nothing without the city that shows up and stands behind it.”

Read More: Tom Brady seen linking up with Irina Shayk

Brady Latest In Wave Of Celebrity Soccer Owners

Of course, Brady is just the latest celebrity to invest in English soccer. The best example of this is Ryan Reynolds, who purchased non-league side Wrexham in November 2020. Reynolds, along with It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia star Rob McElhenney, have turned Wrexham into a worldwide sensation. The team earned promotion to the English Football League at the end of the 2022-23 season.

Meanwhile, the NFL’s JJ Watt, along with his pro soccer player wife Kealia, invested in the Premier League club Burnley earlier this year. “When you invest in a club that’s been around since 1882, you must have great respect for its history and tradition. We understand that not only are we investing in the squad and manager, we’re investing in the town and its people. We take that responsibility very seriously and intend to work hard in earning their trust and support. We have such great respect for what has been built here by Alan, Vincent and the entire organisation. And we are looking forward to working with them. We believe that Burnley is a special club with incredible supporters and we want to help continue to elevate its global profile on its return to the Premier League,” the couple said in a statement.

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Ryan Reynolds Preparing $1B Bid For Senators

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Ryan Reynolds has thrown himself head-first into the world of sports ownership in recent years. Most notably, he purchased Wrexham AFC in the fifth tier of English soccer in 2020. Wrexham recently earned promotion to the fourth tier of English soccer after 15 years stuck in the fifth. Reynolds has also explored numerous non-acting opportunities in recent years, including gin and telecommunications. Aside from his acting chops, he is gaining a reputation as a savvy businessman.

Now Reynolds is Canadian and proud of it. Born in Vancouver, the 46-year-old spent time in the Ottawa neighborhood of Vanier as a child. He grew up as a fan of the NHL’s Ottawa Senators and in 2022, told Jimmy Fallon he would be interested in purchasing the team. Now that the dream appears to becoming more of a reality.

Reynolds Leading $1 Billion Ownership Group

The Ottawa Senators have been for sales for several months now. This follows the death of Eugene Melnyk, who had owned the team since 2003. According to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, there are several groups in the running for ownership. One group is led by healthcare billionaire Michael Andlauer. Another is financed by the Kimel Family, a prominent real estate magnate in Canada. However, there is also a different Hollywood contingent. Neko Sparks is leading the group that includes Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and several high profile Senators alum. Sparks is a long-time film producer and a well-respected name around Hollywood. He’s hoping to prevail despite the buzz around Reynolds’ reported interest in buying the team.

Then there’s Reynolds’ bid. Reported to be in the region of $1 billion, Reynolds leads a team backed by the Remington Group. This includes real estate mogul Chris Batty. Reynolds and Batty are reportedly ready to be “aggressive” with their bid ahead of the reported May 15 deadline for offers. Reynolds’ $1.35B sale of his mobile network, Mint Mobile, earlier this year was seen as revenue generation for a Senators ownership bid. Bettman and the NHL are eager to get the new ownership installed before the 2023/24 season and would be looking to name new ownership by the summer.

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