August 3 – Ex-NFL star Tom Brady has entered a partnership with Knighthead Capital Management LLC to become a minority owner of Birmingham City in the EFL Championship.
No detail was given on the value of his investment but the deal will see him become chairman of the club’s new advisory board, working directly with the club and its leadership team.
With a record seven Super Bowls and five Super MVPs, Brady is widely regarded as the best player in NFL history. He retired in 2023 after completing his 23rd season in the league.
The aim for the club is to use Brady’s sports experience to work closely alongside the sports science department at Birmingham to advise on health, nutrition, wellness and recovery for the Championship squad.
In addition, the club say that Brady will work closely with the Board and the management team on global marketing efforts and the identification of new commercial partnership opportunities. Brady has 14.1 million followers on instagram and a huge presence in North America that will prove beneficial in the global expansion of the club.
The deal is the latest sign of interest from American celebrities in lower league English football, following Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s acquisition of Wrexham AFC in 2020, which has proved to be a roaring success both on and off the pitch.
Chairman of the Board, Tom Wagner, said: “Tom Brady joining the Birmingham City team is a statement of intent. We are setting the bar at world class. Tom is both investing and committing his time and extensive expertise. As Chair of the Advisory Board Tom will have a direct impact on the Club. The Men’s, Women’s, and Academy teams are going to benefit from the knowledge. The goal that Tom has committed to own is to make Birmingham City a respected leader in nutrition, health, wellness, and recovery across the world of football.
“A commitment to Blues fans was made on Monday 8 May 2023, to add experts from the world of sport and football to the team, putting in place the building blocks for future success. With Garry Cook as CEO, Hope Powell as Women’s Technical Director and now Tom Brady we are off to a fast start. Success does not come overnight. It takes time. But when you have great leaders in place everything becomes possible.”
Tom Brady said: “Birmingham City is an iconic club with so much history and passion and to be part of the Blues is a real honour for me. BCFC is built on teamwork and determination and I’m excited to work alongside the board, management and players to make our Second City club second to none. I’ve been part of some amazing teams in my day, and I’m looking forward to applying my perspective to create that same success here in Birmingham.”
Birmingham City kick off their EFL Championship campaign away versus Swansea at 15:00 this Saturday.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1734706521labto1734706521ofdlr1734706521owedi1734706521sni@o1734706521fni1734706521