The Athletic FC Podcast
How is multi-club ownership reshaping football?
Mar 24, 2025
Matt Slater, a seasoned reporter for The Athletic, dives deep into the fascinating world of multi-club ownership in football. He explores the reasons behind this trend among Premier League teams and discusses the implications for player development and local football cultures. Slater highlights how North American investors are reshaping European football by applying franchise business strategies, raising crucial questions about ethics, financial success, and community interests. His insights reveal the complexities and future potential of this evolving ownership model.
54:46
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Quick takeaways
- Multi-club ownership allows for operational efficiencies and talent development, though it faces significant governance and fan engagement challenges.
- North American investors are bringing a commercially-driven approach to European football, emphasizing sustainable business practices while recognizing cultural nuances.
Deep dives
Understanding Multi-Club Ownership
Multi-club ownership (MCO) is defined as a single entity or individual owning stakes in multiple sports organizations, potentially across various leagues and countries. This model has garnered attention as a way for investors to utilize shared resources, streamline operations, and create player development pathways. While the motivations for pursuing MCO can vary—such as cost-cutting, strategic expansion into key markets, or access to talent—success stories have been limited. Often, investors are attracted by the promise of financial returns through avenues like player trading, yet the operational complexities can significantly challenge these goals.
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