Business Daily The Americans investing in British football
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Oct 22, 2025 Christina Philippou, an expert in Accounting and Sport Finance, shares insights on why British football is a goldmine for US investors, highlighting the commercial advantages over the closed nature of US leagues. Rob Coogh, a businessman and owner of Reading FC, discusses purchasing undervalued clubs and the sustainability of ownership. They delve into the financial risks of promotion and relegation, the impact of private equity in clubs like Birmingham City, and how celebrity owners and streaming documentaries can enhance global sponsorship and fan interest.
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English Clubs Seen As Undervalued Assets
- US investors see English football as underpriced compared with US sports teams and full of commercial upside.
- Promotion/relegation and many clubs for sale create acquisition opportunities for capital-rich buyers.
Buying Reading To Prove The Model Works
- Rob Coogh bought Reading believing English clubs were undervalued and fixable.
- He aimed to improve operations and show sustainable management could raise valuation.
Prioritise Sustainable Club Building
- Build a solid operating foundation rather than gambling solely on promotion windfalls.
- If promotion fails, leave the club better run for the next custodian to preserve value.