The rumors may be true after all. U.S. billionaire Stan Kroenke, who has been rumored to be interested in taking over English giant Arsenal FC, just purchased a 9.9 percent stake in the club. According to ESPN Soccernet, Kroenke’s company, Kroenke Sports Enterprises, bought the shareholding interest from English broadcaster ITV, and could also purchase 50 percent of Arsenal Broadband Limited, at a total cost of $128 million if completed.
KSE, of course, is the owner of Major League Soccer’s Colorado Rapids, which earlier this winter announced a partnership with the English club. At the time, English and American papers reported that the strategic, cross-marketing partnership was not the first step toward another American takeover. Those reports were followed by an official statement from the American sports conglomerate stated that it had “no interest or intention” of buying into Arsenal. Looks like KSE changed its mind. Maybe it’ll change its mind about acquiring a majority stake in the English soccer club, too.
Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been outspoken in his opposition to foreign owners taking over EPL clubs. It’s no secret that foreign billionaires from across the globe see Premier League clubs as business prospects that could eventually generate huge profits. Manchester United, Liverpool, and Aston Villa are all owned by American businessmen.