US Investors to Continue Buying English Football Clubs: Neville

Gary Neville, co-owner of Salford City, believes American investors will continue to invest in English football clubs due to the sport's vast reach and perceived good value. Over a third of England's top four leagues already have US ownership, including Liverpool and Wrexham. Neville's own club, Salford City, has received a minority stake investment from US insurer AIG, with plans to turn the club into a serious business within five years. Neville also predicts Arsenal will win the Premier League title this season.

As the new Premier League season approaches, American investors are increasingly turning their attention to English football clubs, driven by the sport's vast global reach and perceived value. According to Gary Neville, co-owner of Salford City, American investors are expected to continue investing in English football clubs, with over a third of the 92 professional teams in England’s top four leagues already having some form of US ownership [1].

Notable examples include last season's Premier League champion Liverpool and Wrexham, which recently won promotion to the second-tier EFL Championship. In May, US financier Rob Couhig's Redwood Holdings Ltd. acquired Reading FC, further demonstrating the growing interest from American investors [1].

Salford City, currently in the fourth tier of the English league, has received a minority stake investment from US insurer American International Group Inc. (AIG). The new investment is critical for the club's plans to turn into a serious business within the next five years [1]. Neville, a former Manchester United captain and now a businessman, believes that American investors are drawn to English football due to its enormous reach and the relatively good value associated with the clubs [1].

The ownership structure of Premier League clubs is also notable for its complexity and the dominance of American owners. According to The Athletic, American owners now account for 49% of England's top-tier clubs [2]. For instance, Arsenal, which has been wholly owned by KSE Inc UK since 2018, is 100% owned by Missouri-born Stan Kroenke. Kroenke's wealth stems from both professional and personal ventures, including shopping centers, ranch land, and various sports franchises [2].

Aston Villa, under the ownership of Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens, is another example of a club with significant American involvement. The club has seen its ownership structure evolve with recent investments from American firms, such as Atairos Partners LP, which now owns a substantial stake in the club [2].

The trend of American investment in English football clubs is likely to continue, driven by the sport's global appeal and the potential for significant returns. As the season begins, investors and fans alike will be watching to see how these investments impact the performance of the clubs and the league as a whole.

References:
[1] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-15/neville-says-us-investors-to-keep-buying-english-football-clubs
[2] https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6539836/2025/08/15/premier-league-club-owners-who/