Location

A special relationship: Why are US celebrities investing in UK sport

In recent years, there has been a notable surge in American celebrities and investors acquiring stakes in UK sports teams, especially within football. This trend is reshaping the landscape of British sports ownership, blending Hollywood and US commercialisation with the values of traditional British sporting institutions.

This article is part of a series that will investigate this current trend and will consist of the following topics:

  1. What are the current investment trends in UK Sport?
  2. What corporate structures are used?  
  3. How to buy a football club?
  4. How to get the purchase over the line?
  5. So you own a football club, what next?
  6. How to exit?

UK sport, particularly football, is seen by American investors as a market with great commercial and investment potential. U.S. leagues such as the NFL, NBA, and MLB thrive on lucrative sponsorships and partnerships, but English football’s deep-rooted sporting traditions often make their institutions resistant to change, especially in the lower leagues.

However, since its inception in 1992, the English Premier League has shifted the approach to commercialisation at the top levels of English football, but this culture shift has not yet been adopted by the whole pyramid, with those lower down hesitant to change. US investment consortiums that are spearheaded by Hollywood stars and US sport superstars are beginning to fast track fan approval and change traditional norms across all the leagues.

High-profile acquisitions

There have been a number of high-profile acquisition in recent years, with probably the most famous being actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney purchasing Wrexham AFC in 2021. Their hands-on involvement and the subsequent success of the club, documented by the hit series “Welcome to Wrexham” on Disney+, has inspired other celebrities to explore similar ventures.

NFL legend Tom Brady acquired a minority stake in Birmingham City FC in 2023, aiming to leverage his expertise in health, wellness, and recovery programs to benefit the club.

Similarly, another NFL star J.J. Watt and his wife, professional soccer player Kealia Watt, invested in Burnley FC, emphasising their commitment to both the men’s and women’s teams. NBA superstar LeBron James has also been involved English Football since 2011, initially acquiring a 2% stake in Liverpool FC for $6.5mn, which he later converted into a share of Fenway Sports Group, the club’s parent company, which is estimated to be now worth around $100mn.

Actor, Michael B. Jordan, ventured into sports ownership, notably becoming a minority owner of AFC Bournemouth, in December 2022, through his minority shareholding with a consortium led by American businessman Bill Foley. Demonstrating his commitment to the club, Jordan collaborated on designing special edition kits for AFC Bournemouth.

Motivations behind the investments

There are several key factors that drive this growing interest:

  • Global appeal: The English Premier League and the broader UK football system boast a massive international following, offering investors a platform to enhance their global presence.
  • Financial opportunities: Investors are attracted by the potential for significant returns through broadcasting rights, sponsorship deals, merchandise sales, and the possibility of club promotions to higher leagues.
  • Personal passion: Many celebrities have a genuine love for sport and the competitive buzz that ownership provides them a way to engage with the sport beyond being a mere investment asset.

Other sports:

U.S celebrity interest in UK sport doesn’t stop at football. There has been interest across the sporting sphere, namely:

  • Formula 1 – Alpine F1 Team: In June 2023, actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, along with actor Michael B. Jordan, invested €200 million for a 24% stake in the UK-based Alpine F1 Team through a consortium, including Otro Capital and RedBird Capital Partners. Later that year, prominent athletes such as NFL stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, golfer Rory McIlroy, boxer Anthony Joshua, and footballer Trent Alexander-Arnold joined the investment group, further enhancing the team’s profile.
  • The E1 Series – an all-electric powerboat racing championship has attracted significant investment from American celebrities and athletes. Tom Brady, Will Smith, and Steve Aoki have all invested in the E1 Series as team owners, expanding their influence into sports ownership.

Impact on clubs and communities:

The infusion of celebrity status and capital has tangible benefits:

  • Enhanced visibility: celebrity involvement brings global attention to clubs, often leading to increased merchandise sales and a broader fan base. The enormous success of Liberty Media’s purchase of Formula 1 and phenomenon that is Netflix’s Drive to Survive has created a new found global interest in the sport.
  • Community engagement: investors often engage in community initiatives, fostering goodwill and strengthening the club’s local ties.
  • Commercial growth: the association with high-profile figures can attract lucrative sponsorships and partnerships, mirroring the transformative impact seen at Wrexham and Bournemouth under celebrity-backed ownership.

The trend of American celebrities and investors acquiring UK sports teams shows no signs of slowing down. As more high-profile figures recognise the multifaceted benefits of such investments, the convergence of entertainment, sports, and business is likely to become a defining feature of the UK’s sporting landscape for years to come.

If you are considering investing in a UK sports team, or advising someone who is, it is important to understand the legal and commercial landscape. For further information or advice please get in touch with Joshua Easterbrook, joshua.easterbrook@blasermills.co.uk, or Sebastian Annable, sebastian.annable@blasermills.co.uk.

Why you should write a Will in your 30s

Why You Should Write a Will in Your Thirties

Many young adults believe that your thirties are ‘too early’ to write Wills and think they could be tempting fate by doing so. However, if the pandemic has taught us anything, it is that it is never too early to think about how you would want things to be left, should you pass away unexpectedly.  Early estate planning is crucial to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes.

Elizabeth Fillingham, Associate in the Wills, Trusts and Probate team, highlights the importance of making this a priority.

Who is responsible?

Not only does a Will outline how your estate is distributed, but it also allows you to nominate a chosen person or people to act in the administration of your estate as personal representatives. Under your Will, your personal representatives are known as executors and being an executor is a role which can be challenging for many reasons. Not only is this role one which can be very paperwork and administratively intensive, but also one that loved ones are faced with in the midst of navigating their grief, following the loss of a loved one.

By your thirties, you may have acquired assets such as property, savings, and investments. There may be nuanced circumstances which the preparation of a Will could help to protect or preserve in the event of your death. Whether your estate is objectively large, modest, or even nominal, the preparation of a Will is invaluable as it specifies who should deal with the practical steps involved in tidying your estate. This would include matters such as arranging payment of outstanding liabilities, arranging your funeral and dealing with other practical arrangements such as clearing your property.

Is there an alternative?

In the event of no Will being in place, the Intestacy Rules will govern the succession of your estate, together with who is entitled to deal with the administration. These rules however do not factor in romantic relationships where the people involved are not married or in a civil partnership or friendships. Therefore, often they do not reflect how an unmarried person, or one without children would want their estates to pass in the event of their death. Without a Will, partners who are unmarried or not in a civil partnership and close friends will not inherit anything, regardless of their significance in your life.

There is a common misconception within society that unmarried partners and those not in a civil partnership can have what is called a ‘common law’ marriage. It is thought this gives them the same rights as those who are married or in a civil partnership. However, this could not be further from the truth. This often can result in those assuming that their partner would automatically be entitled to a share of their estate as beneficiaries in the event of their death. However, the law in England and Wales does not automatically recognise cohabiting partners as beneficiaries. As a result, a surviving partner could potentially be left financially vulnerable in the event of their significant other dying.

What about my children?

If you have a child or children, a Will is crucial for recording who your chosen guardians would be for them, in the event of your death whilst they are under eighteen and the death of anyone else with Parental Responsibility. Your Will is your opportunity to make your wishes and feelings clear to a Family Court considering what should happen to your minor children, at a time where you are not around to articulate these wishes for yourself. 

Whilst not every child or teenager is the same, many parents worry about how financially responsible their children would be if they were to receive inheritance at the age of eighteen. When we look at our toddlers playing in the sunshine, or our children learning to ride a bike, it is hard to envisage the type of adults they will be. By preparing a Will, it means you do not have to leave matters up to chance or afford your children too much financial autonomy following your death. Your Will is an opportunity to specify a higher age at which your child or children should inherit, should you wish to. You can also establish trusts to manage your children’s inheritance until they are mature enough to handle their finances responsibly.

Risk of family fallout?

More often than not, life without a loved one seems unfathomable. The thought of carrying on without them seems too much to tolerate. People often cannot imagine a situation could ever arise following the loss of a loved one where arguments would ensue concerning money. Regrettably however, this is far from uncommon.

Whilst your Will does not always afford complete protection from possible dispute or litigation, it does provide clarity concerning your wishes. This in turn can reduce the likelihood of disagreements over your estate and how it is distributed. This is particularly important when looking at different family situations, such as blended families or families with estranged relatives.

The preparation of your Will is a proactive way to outline your intentions in order to minimise the risk of legal challenges, which can be both costly and emotionally draining for those closest to you.

Can I escape Inheritance Tax?

Whilst there is no foolproof way to avoid Inheritance Tax, preparing your Will can also provide an invaluable opportunity to conduct proper estate planning. Estate planning allows you to take stock of your present circumstances and the Inheritance Tax rules in force at that time. This in turn may enable you to take steps during your lifetime which would reduce the value of your estate, should you pass away. 

In England and Wales, the Nil Rate Band has been fixed at £325,000 since April 2009 and will remain at this figure until at least April 2028. If there is no other Inheritance Tax relief available, estates exceeding £325,000 are subject to a 40% tax on the value above this threshold. However, through effective Will structuring, such as leaving assets to a spouse or charity, or in some circumstances, setting up trusts – it is sometimes possible to reduce the immediate liability owed.

Does it really matter?

Ultimately, your Will is your opportunity to record your wishes in relation to your estate and do what you can to ensure your loved ones will be taken care of. Life is unpredictable, and whilst no one likes to contemplate their own mortality, preparing a Will affords you peace of mind, should the worst happen.

Writing a Will in your thirties (or really, as soon as you become an adult) is a responsible and proactive step in securing your future and protecting those you care about. Speaking with a solicitor who specialises in Wills, Trusts, and Probate ensures your Will is legally sound and tailored to your specific needs.

If you would like to discuss making a Will please get in touch with Elizabeth on 01494 738 067 or email elizabeth.fillingham@blasermills.co.uk.

Sadie Glover joins as Partner and Head of Family and Divorce

Blaser Mills is delighted to announce that Sadie Glover, a highly regarded family lawyer with over 20 years of practice, has joined the firm as Partner and Head of Family and Divorce.

With experience in both London and regional law firms, Sadie advises in relation to all aspects of family law, with a particular emphasis on complex financial and private law children’s cases. She is known for being practical, approachable, and genuinely supportive, guiding clients through their legal journey with compassion and care.

Sadie is also a qualified family Mediator, committed to helping clients find long term solutions following, separation with a view to avoiding the emotional and financial cost of litigation.

Sadie is a published author. Her book, A Practical Guide to Short Marriages for Family Lawyers, was published in 2022. The second edition was published in April 2025, co-authored with Philip Perrins and Beth Hibbert. Sadie is also a strong advocate for the legal recognition of pets in divorce and separation, regularly handling cases where their welfare is a key issue. As a member of the Working Group for Pets on Divorce and Separation she campaigns for changes in the law to reflect the growing recognition that pets are more than mere possessions.

Sadie will be based in our Marlow office, providing support to clients across all our locations. She is looking forward to working closely with the team and building on the firm’s strong connections within the local communities.

She takes over the role as Head of Family and Divorce from Lucinda Holliday. Lucinda, who led the department with care and commitment, remains an important part of the firm in a consultancy role and will continue to offer her expertise through her mediation practice.

Alexandra Kirk, Partner and Head of People services commented: ‘We are excited to welcome Sadie to Blaser Mills. Her wealth of experience and empathetic approach makes her an excellent fit to lead our Family and Divorce team. We are confident she will bring tremendous value to our clients and colleagues, and we look forward to supporting her in this exciting new chapter.’

Sadie Glover added: ‘I am delighted to be joining Blaser Mills as Partner and Head of Family and Divorce. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a dynamic and growing team, within a progressive firm that shares my commitment to delivering strategic, compassionate, and results-driven advice to clients. I look forward to building on the strong reputation of Blaser Mills and working with my colleagues to achieve the best possible outcomes for all our clients.’

Tips for avoiding varying your contracts by conduct

As commercial advisers, we always stress the paramount importance to businesses of recording their commercial intentions in written contracts. Recent cases in the UK high court have brought into sharp focus the need to also ensure that contracting parties’ conduct reflects the contract, or risk undermining what has been written.

Both cases hinged on the wording of different ‘boilerplate’ clauses, which are typically found towards the end of a commercial contract. One case involved the no-dealing clause and variation clause and the other, the waiver clause. In a carefully drafted contract, these clauses will play the following roles:

No dealing clause – this clause limits one or both parties’ ability to transfer their rights and obligations to a third party, for example by assigning, novating or subcontracting. Sometimes this will be a blanket ban, but more typically the clause allows such transfers with the prior written consent of the other party. It is a valuable way of keeping parties locked into the contract, so one party cannot pass its rights or obligations to another entity with no track record, or with whom the other party simply does not want to do business.

Variation clause – this clause imposes a specific method for changing or varying the terms that have been agreed. Usually, it requires that the changes are agreed in writing and may also specify that only certain personnel of each party can agree the changes. Its role is to ensure that mere oral discussion cannot alter the contract, which can cause huge uncertainty between parties.

Waiver clause – this specifies that a party may waive any of its rights under the agreement. Usually, the clause will specify that a waiver will be limited – so if a party waives one right, or waives its right on one occasion, it does not also waive all future or similar rights.

In both of the recent High Court cases, the court considered the wording of the boilerplate clauses in the given contracts and, despite the specific circumstances being different in each case, concluded that the parties’ behaviour to each other overrode that wording. In the case involving the no dealing and variation clause, one party had informally allowed a third party to undertake some its obligations. The other party had not objected and had instead continued to perform its side of the agreement. The court concluded that this conduct – continuing the contract with the new party without objection – was sufficient to legally novate the contract to the new party, despite the contract prohibiting such novations and requiring changes to be made in writing. Similarly, the court found in the case involving the waiver clause that the party’s failure to raise its objections for a considerable time (almost 12 months) was enough to deem its rights waived, despite the contract saying that no such waivers would be granted.

The notion that parties’ conduct can novate or vary a contract, or waive rights is nothing new. These cases serve as timely reminders, though, that the courts are prepared to overlook the content of a contract if the conduct of the parties is inconsistent with that content over a suitable period of time. Contracting parties should therefore always be sure to document their intentions in a clearly-worded contract, and then honour those written terms when carrying out the contract.

Blaser Mills commercial team is on hand to assist with drafting, reviewing, updating and advising upon a wide range of commercial contracts. For further information or advice please contact Becky Cooper on 01494 932614 or email becky.cooper@blasermills.co.uk.

[1] Magee and others v Crocker and another [2024] EWHC 1723 (Ch); Little and another v Olympian Homes Ltd [2024] EWHC 1766 (Ch)

Why men should seek support for domestic abuse

Domestic abuse affects individuals across all backgrounds, and while most narratives focus on female victims, men also experience abuse in various forms. Abuse can be emotional, financial, physical, or psychological, and it can involve coercive control – a pattern of behaviour that seeks to isolate, dominate, and manipulate. For men affected by such behaviour, understanding that support is available, and that law protects all victims of domestic abuse is a vital step towards getting help.

Understanding coercive control
Coercive control is a damaging form of abuse involving manipulation to gain power over another person. Signs may include limiting a partner’s social contact and activities, restricting finances, or using guilt to create dependency. Men experiencing this type of abuse may feel confused, isolated, or reluctant to reach out, fearing they won’t be taken seriously. Identifying these patterns is crucial, as coercive control has been legally recognised as a form of abuse in the UK since 2015.

Under the Serious Crime Act, coercive control is prosecutable regardless of the victim’s gender. Knowing this protection exists under UK law can help men understand their rights and acknowledge that their experiences are valid.

Getting help
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, there are several steps you can take to get help:

  1. Reaching out for support: In the UK, organizations such as the Mankind Initiative and Respect Men’s Advice Line offer confidential support for men experiencing abuse. These services can provide emotional support, guidance, and access to resources like counselling or safe housing if needed.
  2. Document incidents: Keeping a record of incidents, including photos or messages can be valuable if you decide to take legal action.
  3. Consider counselling: Speaking with a counsellor offers a safe space to process experiences and begin healing. Many mental health professionals are trained to support abuse survivors and can help rebuild confidence and set boundaries.
  4. Seeking legal advice: Law firms experienced in domestic abuse cases can provide guidance on legal protections such as non-molestation orders and occupation orders. A confidential chat with a legal professional can help clarify immediate protection options and next steps if separation or child arrangements are involved. They can also assist in reporting coercive control if required.
  5. Getting help from the authorities: If you feel you are in immediate danger, don’t hesitate to contact the police. The police can offer urgent protection and guide you on immediate next steps.

How UK law protects all victims
The UK’s Domestic Abuse Act of 2021 expanded protections for abuse victims, ensuring anyone affected can seek help. This legislation includes coercive control, emotional manipulation, and financial control. Non-molestation orders can legally protect victims, and occupation orders may allow them to remain in their homes safely. Where children are involved, the law prioritises their best interests to keep them safe.

Contact us
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse, know that there is support for you. You have the right to safety, and taking action is a courageous step towards getting out of a distressful situation.

For a confidential chat or further advice, please contact Naim Qureshi on 01494 781356 or email naim.qureshi@blasermills.co.uk.

£810 raised for South Bucks Hospice at the Marlow Santa Fun Run

Last weekend, our incredible team laced up their trainers and embraced the festive spirit for the Marlow 5km Santa Fun Run, raising an impressive £810 in support of South Bucks Hospice.

Lauren Edwards, Hannah Funnell, Jack Williams, and Stephen Dean ran with determination and holiday cheer to support this vital local charity, which provides compassionate care for those living with long-term illness.

A huge thank you goes out to everyone who generously donated and cheered on our runners along the way. Your support makes a real difference in our community.

Blaser Mills wins ESG initiative award

The words “law firm” and “happiness” may not often be found in the same sentence, but at Blaser Mills we are working hard to change that.

On Friday 15 November, law firms from across the country gathered in Birmingham for a prestigious awards ceremony to celebrate excellence and achievement in the legal industry.

The event was hosted by LawNet, a not-for-profit nationwide network of over 70 member law firms, all of whom are committed to rigorous quality standards and best practice.

With only ten awards available across different categories, we were absolutely delighted to win the ESG Initiative Award.

ESG – Environmental, Social, Governance, is also known by other terms such as “Responsible Business” and “CSR” – Corporate Social Responsibility. In essence, this covers the ways in which businesses go above and beyond to benefit their people, their communities, and the environment.

The LawNet judges were particularly impressed by our creation of a dedicated role of Responsible Business Partner – Tracy Jones; putting the firm’s impact on our employees, wider community and society at the very top of our priorities.

The judges praised the active staff-led groups within at Blaser Mills, including our Inclusion Forum, Wellbeing at Work Group, Community Group, and Environment Group. They saw that we are taking care to nurture long term relationships with local community organisations, working with education centres, food banks, nature charities, hospices and children’s charities to name but a few. We actively encourages colleagues to volunteer with these groups, giving them dedicated “volunteer leave” for this purpose.

The judges were particularly impressed by our anonymous weekly “happiness survey”, a central tool in the firm’s wellness drive. Every member of staff is sent a short survey each week, asking how their working week has been. The results produce data which can spot where support may be required and encourages teams to problem solve and work together.

“The weekly happiness surveys have had an enormous impact on the culture at Blaser Mills”, explains Tracy. “Law can be a full-on area to work in, with people often not wanting to admit to feeling under-pressure, stressed or overwhelmed.”

Tracy explains that when her colleagues started to feel comfortable with the weekly surveys and the discussions that followed them, people were more open in saying that they might need a bit of extra help. Tracy saw that colleagues began to share ideas more freely, thank each other and congratulate successes. And, over a relatively short period of time, data was available to support what she was sensing – that people were becoming happier at work. “Happy people enjoy their work and do their best work – which means happy clients too! Of course, happiness ebbs and flows. But we now have a firmly established culture where our colleagues can express themselves, knowing that they will be supported.”

Tracy confesses that to her, this feels “like gold, like winning the lottery”. She says, “Having spent all of my working life in law, I know that stress and burnout are significant issues for the legal industry, so to be a part of positive change, still makes me smile every day”.

For more information please visit Responsible business | Blaser Mills Law, or contact Tracy Jones on 07939 203502 (telephone or WhatsApp anytime) or email tracy.jones@blasermills.co.uk.