Ed Sheeran acquires minority stake in boyhood club Ipswich Town
Courtesy: Reuters
Ed Sheeran, the globally renowned musician, has purchased a minority stake in Ipswich Town, the Premier League club he has supported since childhood. Sheeran, who grew up in Framlingham, Suffolk, now owns a 1.4% stake in the club, acquired through Gamechanger 20 Ltd. Although he will not hold a voting position or a seat on the board, Sheeran will have long-term use of an executive box at Portman Road, which he has personalized ahead of the 2024-25 season.
In a statement released on Ipswich Town’s website, Sheeran expressed his excitement about the acquisition, saying, "I am really excited to have bought a small percentage of my home town football club. It’s any football fan’s dream to be an owner of the club they support, and I feel so grateful for this opportunity." He also emphasized his deep connection to the area, stating, "I have lived in Suffolk since I was three years old, and while I travel the world and sometimes feel like an outsider in big cities, Suffolk and Ipswich have always made me feel part of the community and protected."
Sheeran has been a visible supporter of Ipswich Town for years, having sponsored the club’s shirts since 2021. His involvement is the latest in a trend of celebrities investing in football clubs, with figures like Delia Smith at Norwich City and Elton John at Watford FC being notable examples.
Ipswich Town, newly promoted to the Premier League for the first time since 2002, will begin their new campaign with a home game against Liverpool. The club’s chair, Mark Ashton, praised Sheeran’s involvement, stating, “For one of the biggest artists in the world to give us so much of his time and give the club such incredible exposure around the world, while asking for very little in return, highlights just what makes this relationship such a special one.”