New Delhi: It is well known that Ed Sheeran loves the Ipswich football club. Now, he has acquired a minority stake in his boyhood club. Sheeran was born in West Yorkshire but raised in Framlingham, Suffolk and has been a lifelong supporter of the Tractor Boys.
The four-time Grammy award winner has been a shirt sponsor for both men’s and women’s Ipswitch teams since 2021 and is one of the club’s most famous supporters. Sheeran acquired a 1.4% stake in the club through Gamechanger 20 Ltd. This means that he won’t be a voting shareholder or a member of the board.
📰 Ipswich Town is proud to announce that Ed Sheeran has acquired a minority stake in the Football Club.
Ed, a lifelong fan who has been the front of shirt sponsor for the Men’s and Women’s teams since 2021, has acquired his shares through Gamechanger 20 Ltd.
— IPSWICH TOWN (@IpswichTown) August 15, 2024
One part of the deal gives Sheeran long-term access to the executive box at Portman Road, which he previously had personalised for the upcoming season. The ‘Thinking out Loud’ hitmaker announced the news through Ipswich’s official website. He mentioned that it was any “football fan’s dream” to support a club they were so fond of and felt extremely “grateful for the opportunity” and put his money into the club he loved.
Sheeran joins a list of high-profile celebrities who have been involved themselves with lesser-known clubs. Cook Show host Delia Smith is known for having a majority shareholding in Norwich City and has supported the club for nearly two decades. Sir Elton John was the chairman of Watford FC between 1976 and 2002. Even Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds, along with “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” actor Rob McElhenney, became co-owners of Wrexham FC in September 2020, completing a 100% takeover of the club.
The club’s chairman, Mark Ashton, expressed his gratitude for Sheeran’s support and for asking so little in return from the club. He further said that an artist of Sheeran’s status gives great exposure to Ipswich, who are back in the Premier League after being absent since 2002. They open their campaign at home against Liverpool this Saturday.
The four-time Grammy winner acquires a minority stake in his boyhood club Ipswich Town. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
