Money if wisely invested multiplies. This logic has been well understood by a lot of sporting entities since instead of spending money lavishly on luxury goods and items, they have started investing in sporting teams. This development is part of a growing trend where sports stars are increasingly exploring opportunities to invest in sports teams they admire.

Recently, PGA Tour golfer Rory McIlroy expressed his keen interest in joining this pool of sports stars. In the changing landscape of sports team ownership, the four-time major-winning golfer expressed his interest in purchasing a stake in the renowned English football club, Manchester United.

Rory McIlroy and his love for Manchester United

Of late, there has been a drastic shift in sports team ownership trends with more and more stakes being owned by athletes rather than corporate giants or business moguls. Rory McIlroy has now joined this trend as he expressed his aspiration to become a part-owner of Manchester United a club he has been passionate about since his childhood.

Historically, the ownership of clubs is limited only to private equity firms and wealthy individuals. But the trends have begun changing, and Manchester United has got a 25% share from British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe.

Upon getting wind of this acquisition, Rory McIlroy said: “I would have loved to have taken 0.00001% of Manchester United when Jim Ratcliffe took 25%. And if another opportunity comes my way I will look at it.” 

Rory McIlroy’s desire to own a small percentage of Manchester United aligns with the evolving trend of athlete ownership in sports franchises. He is not the first golfer to be interested in some other sport and he will not be the last.

Other golfers who have a keen interest in sports franchising

The four-time major winner quickly jotted down some prominent names of athletes who have diversified into sports franchising. Recently, American football quarterback Tom Brady invested $44,000 in Birmingham City FC.

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Additionally, golfers like Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas, who are excelling in golf, have also explored the avenue. Both of them have bought shares in the 49ers group which is currently in the process of taking over English soccer club Leeds United, in which they will be shareholders too.

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