From Hollywood stars to social media influencers, North American celebrities acquiring English clubs is becoming a trend.

Author/Han Bing There was a time when European clubs took pride in having celebrity fans. But now, fans of English clubs are talking about their clubs' celebrity owners. In recent years, Hollywood stars, social media influencers, and North American sports icons have been flocking to English football. The acquisition of English clubs by North American entertainment and sports celebrities is turning into a widespread phenomenon.

The most successful acquisition case is that of Hollywood actors Reynolds and McElhenney. Reynolds gained fame starring in "Deadpool," while McElhenney is known as a producer, director, writer, and actor for the hit series "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia." In early 2021, after acquiring the small Welsh club Wrexham in England's fifth tier, they spearheaded the team documentary "Welcome to Wrexham," aired on Disney's FX and Disney+ streaming platforms, bringing unimaginable international exposure to this small-town club.

Starting from the 2022/23 season, Wrexham achieved three consecutive promotions from the fifth-tier National League to the second-tier Championship, becoming the first team in English top-five league history to accomplish such a triple jump. After 35 rounds this Championship season, they rank 6th, with a strong chance of pushing for the Premier League.

Wrexham's valuation skyrocketed 75-fold in four years, from £2 million to £150 million. The club's season documentary is now in its third season, and the two Hollywood celebrities have also taken the team to North America for commercial tours, playing lucrative friendlies against giants like Chelsea.

The demonstration effect of Reynolds and McElhenney has opened the door for North American celebrities to acquire English clubs.

In late 2022, Michael B. Jordan, famous for starring in Hollywood blockbusters like "Black Panther" and "Creed," became a minority shareholder of Bournemouth. In May 2023, NFL star J.J. Watt and his wife Kealia became minority shareholders of Championship club Burnley. In August, NFL legend Tom Brady became a minority shareholder of Championship club Birmingham City, serving as chairman of the club's advisory board and bringing North American sports science and marketing resources to the club.

In the summer of 2024, Hollywood comedy star Will Ferrell became a minority shareholder of Leeds United. A Chelsea fan, he chose to invest in the White Rose club from Lancashire. In the summer of 2025, North American rap icon Snoop Dogg, alongside Croatian football legend Luka Modrić, took a stake in Championship club Swansea City. In late February, his visit to Swansea caused a sensation on local social media. Snoop Dogg not only performed a 75-minute live set at a city party but also gave an impromptu performance of his classic songs in the Swansea dressing room. He brought his global fanbase and sponsors to Swansea, greatly benefiting the club.

The latest North American celebrity to enter English football is the Nigerian-British YouTube influencer KSI. In 2009, London-born KSI registered his YouTube channel, initially gaining fame through commentary videos on the FIFA game series. He later transitioned into a rap star, appearing in films and series, and even participating in professional boxing matches. With over 50 million followers on social media, on March 4th, he announced the acquisition of a 20% stake in the sixth-tier English club Dagenham & Redbridge. KSI expressed his hope to turn this small Essex-based club into a second Wrexham.

If Wrexham is fortunate enough to be promoted to the Premier League, next season's Premier League could become a "carnival" for North American entertainment celebrities: Wrexham, Bournemouth, and Leeds United all have Hollywood star shareholders. A "Marvel Star Derby" could be staged in the Premier League between Reynolds' Wrexham and Michael B. Jordan's Bournemouth.

The appeal of English football to North America isn't limited to venture capital; entertainment and sports celebrities are also beginning to feel the "sense of achievement" that comes with entering the English football scene.