Americanization of football: 'Tempted by the big money'

American money is increasingly shaping European football, with North American investors showing a strong appetite for acquiring clubs. Tor-Kristian Karlsen, who has held various roles at major European clubs, told VG that "almost everything I hear about new constellations wanting to buy into European club football is from North America. 9 out of 10."

This trend follows a long history of American interest in the sport, dating back to Pelé's move to the New York Cosmos in 1975. Currently, Lionel Messi plays in the MLS, the Club World Cup was held in the U.S. last year, and the upcoming men's World Cup will be hosted by the U.S. alongside Canada and Mexico. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has also maintained regular contact with former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Critics point to innovations like the three-minute water breaks during the World Cup, officially attributed to heat and humidity, as a commercial "American" move to allow for more advertising. The World Cup final is also expected to feature an elaborate halftime show, similar to the NFL's Super Bowl, with performers like Justin Bieber, Shakira, and Madonna slated to appear.

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Almost everything I hear about new constellations wanting to buy into European club football is from North America. 9 out of 10.

Despite potential disapproval of these commercial aspects, many fans may still support clubs benefiting from wealthy American owners who invest in star players. A review of top leagues in England, Italy, France, and Spain reveals that Americans are the majority owners of nearly 30 out of 78 clubs, significantly more than French or English owners who control five clubs each. Gregg Lemkau, a director at investment bank BDT & MSD, noted a surge in wealthy Americans investing in sports after the pandemic, partly because acquiring stakes in established American leagues is more regulated and expensive.

"In the U.S., the number of teams in the biggest professional leagues has barely changed in recent decades, while the number of billionaires has multiplied. It's simply a matter of supply and demand," Lemkau told the Financial Times. Overall, 117 European clubs at various levels have American owners, a substantial increase from just 13 in 2015 and 32 in 2019. Norwegian club Start has also seen American investors, and Lyn was in discussions last year.

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In the U.S., the number of teams in the biggest professional leagues has barely changed in recent decades, while the number of billionaires has multiplied. It's simply a matter of supply and demand.