Tom Brady, the legendary NFL quarterback, has expanded his sporting portfolio by becoming a minority owner of English football club Birmingham City. The seven-time Super Bowl champion purchased a 3.3 per cent stake in the League One side for an undisclosed sum in 2023, joining a growing list of American celebrities investing in UK football.
Brady acknowledged the scepticism surrounding an American footballer venturing into English football, admitting he had "a lot to learn" about the sport. However, he expressed confidence that his winning mentality would translate well. "I do know a few things about winning, and I think they may translate pretty well," he told ESPN in 2023.
The former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers star also revealed his affinity for the underdog role, stating: "I like being the underdog, and these fans have never stopped believing." Birmingham supporters have been largely receptive to the investment, with one fan noting that American involvement was making "a massive difference" and encouraging consistent attendance even during less significant matches.
Birmingham City, which was relegated to League One in Brady's first season, has since returned to the third tier. The club's ownership structure now includes Brady alongside other high-profile American figures such as actors Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney, and NBA legend LeBron James, who have all invested in English football teams.
Brady's stake in Birmingham is part of a broader business empire that includes minority ownership in the Las Vegas Raiders and Las Vegas Aces, as well as founding a major league pickleball team. The 48-year-old, estimated by Forbes to be worth $530 million, also serves as a chief wellness officer for a digital health company and has launched his own sportswear brand.
