US investment in English football brings profit and success

0 Comments | AFP, January, 2008

DETROIT, Michigan (AFP) — Fully half of English football's 20 Premiership clubs are owned by foreign investors with a US group completing the purchase of basement-dwelling Derby County for a reported 100 million dollars.

The allure of sport squads linked to a global brand like England's elite league with television riches and home-area expansion potential have enticed Americans to also purchase Manchester United, Aston Villa and Liverpool.

"The long-term aid is to establish the Derby County brand worldwide through successful alliances with sporting teams in the US, Far East and other continents," Derby County chairman Andy Pearson said.

"The immediate aim though is to continue to build the infrastructure of the club at Pride Park."

Premiership teams...