The English Football League (EFL) has long been home to historic clubs with devoted fan bases, but in recent years, it has also become a surprising hotspot for celebrity investors. Whether it’s actors, musicians, or sporting legends, high-profile figures from outside the football world are increasingly looking to invest in lower-league teams, bringing financial backing, global attention, and, sometimes, an unconventional approach to club ownership.
For some, the motivation is purely business; it may serve as a side hustle in an opportunity to capitalise on the financial growth of football. For others, it’s a passion project, a chance to support a club with deep-rooted community ties and a rich history.
Here are five EFL clubs that have been invested in and owned by celebrity figures.
1. Tom Brady – Birmingham City
American football legend Tom Brady made headlines in August 2023 when he announced his investment in Birmingham City, a club with a proud history but one that had endured years of struggle in the EFL Championship. The seven-time Super Bowl winner took on a minority stake as part of the Knighthead Capital Management LLC ownership group and was named chairman of the club’s advisory board.
Brady’s role extends beyond just an investment – he is involved in strategic planning, with a particular focus on performance, nutrition, and commercial growth. His experience in elite sports, spanning two decades at the very top of the NFL, is expected to provide insight into professional player development and high-performance culture.
However, his arrival at St Andrew’s coincided with a turbulent period on the pitch, which ultimately saw The Blues relegated to League One following the conclusion of the 2023/24 campaign. As of February 2025, though, they are in prime position at the top of the table, ready to bounce back to the second tier at the first time of asking. Their summer recruitment smashed League One’s transfer record alone with the acquisition of striker Jay Stansfield in a deal worth up to £20 million. At the same time, they regrouped in all areas of the pitch, including between the sticks with Bailey Peacock-Farrell, in defence with Alex Cochrane, and midfield with Willum Willumsson.
Brady and the Knighthead Capital Management LLC ownership group look firmly set to claim the third tier title this season and will already have one eye on business to benefit the team and club all-round in the Championship next season.
2. Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney – Wrexham
Unlike other celebrity owners who act as minority investors, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took a much bigger leap when they became the majority owners of Wrexham AFC in February 2021. Their takeover of the Welsh club – then languishing in the National League, the fifth tier of English football – initially seemed unusual for two Hollywood stars with no prior football experience. However, it has since turned into one of the sport’s most remarkable success stories. The duo’s investment has transformed Wrexham both on and off the pitch.
After years of mid-table finishes, they helped steer the club to promotion back into the EFL, securing a place in League Two for the first time in 15 years. Their ownership has also brought financial stability, allowing Wrexham to compete for higher-quality players and improve club facilities.
Beyond the footballing aspect, their involvement has had a cultural impact, largely thanks to the hit documentary series “Welcome to Wrexham.” The show, produced for FX and Disney+, has provided an intimate look at the club’s journey under Reynolds and McElhenney’s ownership, bringing Wrexham global recognition and attracting new supporters worldwide, such as Gatorade, TikTok, Meta Quest and United Airlines.
What sets them apart is their hands-on approach. Unlike some celebrity owners who maintain a distant role, Reynolds and McElhenney are actively involved, frequently engaging with fans and embracing the club’s traditions. Their genuine commitment to the club’s success has won them the admiration of supporters, proving that their investment is far more than just a publicity stunt.
The Red Dragons, now competing in League One, are in great stead to be vying for another promotion – to the second tier of English football. Currently sitting third in the table, it’s highly likely that they could push for an automatic position or qualify for the play-offs. Whether the desired outcome of competing in the Championship occurs so soon, for a side that only gained promotion to the football league in 2023, this is an astonishing achievement.
3. Elton John – Watford
Sir Elton John’s association with Watford FC goes back decades, making him one of the earliest examples of a celebrity owner in English football. The global music icon first became chairman and owner in 1976, overseeing a golden period in the club’s history. Under his leadership, Watford enjoyed a meteoric rise from the Fourth Division (now League Two) to the First Division (now the Premier League) within just five seasons.
During this time, Elton John appointed Graham Taylor as manager, and together, they built a side that not only climbed the leagues but also finished as runners-up in the top flight in 1982-83, qualifying for European competition. The club also reached the FA Cup final in 1984, marking one of the most successful periods in Watford’s history.
Although he later sold the club, his love for Watford never faded, and he briefly returned as chairman in the late 1990s to help stabilise the club. Today, he remains an honorary life president, and the Sir Elton John Stand at Vicarage Road is a lasting tribute to his contributions. His passion for the club is evident – he still attends matches and continues to support Watford in any way he can.
4. Delia Smith – Norwich City
British cooking icon Delia Smith has been deeply involved with Norwich City since the 1990s, when she and her husband, Michael Wynn-Jones, became the club’s majority shareholders. Unlike many celebrity investors who come and go, Smith has remained steadfast in her commitment to the Canaries, playing a key role in the club’s financial stability.
Under her ownership, Norwich has become a well-run club, regularly bouncing between the Premier League and the Championship. While their model often sees them struggle to retain Premier League status, it ensures long-term sustainability without excessive financial risks.
One of the most memorable moments of Delia’s time as an owner came in 2005 when she took the microphone at Carrow Road during a Premier League match against Manchester City and delivered the now-iconic rallying cry: “Let’s be ‘avin’ you!” to Norwich fans. While it became an internet meme, it also highlighted her genuine passion for the club and its supporters.
From March 2025, Delia and her husband’s shares will reduce to 10% as Mark Attanasio’s Norfolk Holdings Group bought newly-created shares back in August, increasing the group’s stake in the club to 85%. This will allow Delia and Michael to come away from the board of directors and become honorary life presidents as they aim to wind down without the sole pressures of running a professional football club.
5. JJ Watt – Burnley
Former NFL defensive star JJ Watt became a minority investor in Burnley FC in May 2023, along with his wife, Kealia Watt, a former professional footballer. Their arrival coincided with Burnley’s return to the Premier League under manager Vincent Kompany, although the club were relegated after struggling in the top flight.
Watt has taken an active interest in the club’s culture, frequently engaging with fans on social media and attending matches. His background in professional sports has given him a strong appreciation for what makes football clubs tick, and he has emphasised the importance of community engagement – something Burnley prides itself on.
His presence has also boosted Burnley’s profile in the United States, with the club benefiting from greater media attention and commercial opportunities. While his direct impact on the club’s footballing fortunes remains to be seen, his involvement signals a growing trend of American celebrities and sports figures investing in English football.
