A tidal wave of US investment is crashing down on the English football pyramid, leaving a trail of seismic shifts in traditional ownership models, according to Deloitte's 2025 Sports Investment Outlook. The report reveals that half of all global sports investment transactions in 2024 came from American investors, who are now calling the shots at 13 out of 20 Premier League clubs.
Their influence extends far beyond the top tier, however – US cash is pouring into Championship, League One, and League Two clubs, where it's being driven by a tantalising prospect: making a killing in English football. With asset scarcity in the Premier League and valuations through the roof for US sports franchises, lower league clubs are emerging as an attractive alternative – offering a simpler entry point into sports investment.
Deloitte's statistics tell a compelling story: 55 per cent of global sports transactions originated from North American investors in 2024. And it's not just about throwing money at the problem – US investors are looking for structured financial returns, which is why they're gravitating towards clubs that offer a clear path to Premier League revenues.
A key factor in this trend is the valuation gap between English football and other European leagues. US sports franchises rarely change hands, leaving little room for new entrants – but the EFL offers a more open ownership model, making it an attractive alternative. And while Premier League clubs have become eye-wateringly expensive (Chelsea's 2022 sale reached £4.25 billion!), lower league clubs offer a way in at a significantly reduced entry cost.
US investment is already reaping rewards, with clubs like Wrexham, Birmingham City, Ipswich Town, and Swansea City all attracting American ownership. And it's not just the Championship – US cash has even made its presence felt in the National League. Estimates suggest that up to 23 of the 72 EFL clubs now have American or American-linked ownership – a seismic shift that's set to redefine the face of English football.