Cover Ryan Reynolds has made owning sports teams a more popular investment. (Photo: IMDB)
Ryan Reynolds has made owning sports teams a more popular investment. (Photo: IMDB)
1 / 1
Co-owning sports teams isn’t just about perks anymore—it’s changing sports culture, redefining equity and transforming how clubs market themselves worldwide
Once upon a time, celebrities bought islands, vineyards and Instagrammable alpacas. Now? They’re buying football clubs, F1 teams and soccer franchises with playoff dreams. From LeBron James to Natalie Portman, today’s A-listers are owners, shareholders and, sometimes, drummers in the stands. But not all celebrity investors are created equal: some show up in scarves and call the plays, while others make power moves from the boardroom.
Here’s a look at the most notable celebrity owners of sports teams. See what they’ve invested, how they got in and whether they’re actually calling the shots or just cashing in on the hype.
In case you missed it: The art of risk: 7 unconventional celebrity investments that paid off
1. Ryan Reynolds (Wrexham AFC and Alpine F1)
When Ryan Reynolds and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia creator Rob McElhenney finalised their purchase of Wrexham AFC in 2021, it sounded like a quirky side project. But their US$2.6 million takeover gave them a 100 per cent controlling stake, and they turned it into a marketing masterstroke. Reynolds co-created the docuseries Welcome to Wrexham, drawing global attention to the fifth-tier Welsh team. He’s deeply involved, engaging in social media posts, stadium lease deals and even surprise visits to the local pub.
In 2023, Reynolds expanded into Formula 1, joining a celebrity consortium (with McElhenney and actor Michael B Jordan) to acquire a 24 per cent stake in Alpine F1. His role? Building brand awareness and fan loyalty.
2. Drew Carey (Seattle Sounders)
TV host and comedian Drew Carey was ahead of the curve of celebrities with sports teams. He bought into the Seattle Sounders in 2007 before soccer became trendy among US celebs. His 7.5 per cent stake came with a twist: he advocated for democratic governance. Fans vote on leadership through the Sounders Alliance, a unique setup in global sports. Carey’s involvement with the team is serious: he attends games regularly, promotes fan ownership and stays engaged with club developments.
3. Natalie Portman (Angel City FC)
Academy Award-winning actress Natalie Portman co-founded Angel City FC, a Los Angeles-based National Women’s Soccer League team, in 2020, becoming a major force in changing the landscape for women in sports. She brought together a dream team of investors, including Serena Williams, Jennifer Garner, Eva Longoria, America Ferrera and more. The ownership model focuses on equity, sustainability and player well-being. But the Harvard alum and Oscar winner didn’t just throw money at the club. She’s in strategy meetings, promoting fair wages and using her platform to fight for women athletes’ visibility. The team debuted in 2022 and sold out their first home match with 22,000 fans.
In case you missed it: Your next read: 8 provocative books curated by Natalie Portman
4. LeBron James (Liverpool FC and Boston Red Sox)
LeBron James took a different route when it comes to sports teams, investing through ownership groups. In 2011, he acquired a 2 per cent stake in English football powerhouse Liverpool FC through a deal with Fenway Sports Group (FSG). That investment has since soared in value, as Liverpool became Premier League and Champions League champions. In 2021, LeBron became a part-owner of the Boston Red Sox when he joined FSG as a full partner, making him one of the few Black owners in Major League Baseball. While he’s not involved in day-to-day decisions, LeBron’s brand and global influence elevate FSG’s profile in US and international markets alike.
5. Eva Longoria (Angel City FC and Necaxa)
Eva Longoria is an investor in two football teams, Angel City FC in Los Angeles and Club Necaxa in Mexico. The latter made headlines for being one of the first football clubs to fractionalise ownership via NFTs, and Longoria was part of the A-list investor pool. She is also taking a page from Ryan Reynolds’ book, producing docuseries Welcome to Necaxa for FX and Disney+ Latin America. Longoria uses her platforms to promote women’s sports and highlight the importance of representation in Latin American markets.
6. Will Ferrell (LAFC and Leeds United)
Will Ferrell took his love of soccer and turned it into two ownership stakes: first with LAFC in 2016 and then as part of the 49ers-led consortium that acquired Leeds United in 2023. At LAFC, he’s a familiar sight, joking with players, appearing at matches and even filming commercials. He reportedly owns under 5 per cent, but he’s more active than most. At Leeds, his role is lower-key but still media-savvy, helping boost interest in the US market.
7. Serena Williams (Angel City FC, Miami Dolphins and Toronto Tempo)
Serena Williams is not just a GOAT on the court; she’s also a savvy investor. She’s part of the Angel City FC ownership group alongside Natalie Portman, and also co-owns a small stake in the Miami Dolphins with her sister Venus. In March 2025, it was announced that Williams joined the ownership group led by Kilmer Sports Ventures chair Larry Tanenbaum for Toronto Tempo, the WNBA's first Canadian franchise.
She doesn’t just lend her name. Williams has spoken openly about her interest in creating equitable opportunities for women and people of colour in sports.
8. Matthew McConaughey (Austin FC)
Matthew McConaughey brought his Texas charm to Major League Soccer in 2019 when he joined the ownership group of Austin FC. While his financial stake isn’t publicly disclosed, he’s one of the team’s most vocal cheerleaders. You can see him banging on drums and leading chants in the stands. More than just a figurehead, McConaughey helps shape the club’s branding and culture, often talking about the team’s identity as part of Austin’s soul.
9. Michael B Jordan (AFC Bournemouth)
Michael B Jordan made a quiet but stylish entrance into the football world in 2022 when he joined the takeover of AFC Bournemouth by American businessman Bill Foley. Though his stake is minor, Jordan brings branding power and long-term vision, reportedly working on content and community engagement to help the club grow globally. He also has a stake in other sports teams, such as Formula 1 with Ryan Reynolds.
10. Anne Hathaway (Red Bull Italy SailGP Team)
Anne Hathaway became part of the high seas when she joined a star-studded group of investors to back the Red Bull Italy team in SailGP, the fast-growing international sailing league. Her ownership was publicly announced in 2025. While her stake isn't publicly disclosed, her involvement adds Hollywood sheen to a sport aiming for global glamour. Earnings from SailGP are still modest but steadily rising, with Hathaway’s influence aimed at playing a key role in boosting the league’s visibility, particularly in North America. Though she’s not hands-on day to day, her presence should be expected in promotional campaigns and likely future docuseries cameos.
