NFL legend Tom Brady has surprised fans by becoming a minority shareholder in Championship side Birmingham City. The former quarterback, who retired at 45 after a stellar career with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, joined forces with the club's new American owners. Brady expressed his excitement at being part of the iconic club and aims to bring success to Birmingham City using his unique perspective.
The seven-time Super Bowl champion, who turned 46, is set to play a significant role in the club's operations. He will not only chair Birmingham's new advisory board but also have a direct impact on the club's men's, women's, and academy teams, as well as their global marketing and commercial efforts. The club's new owners, American businessman Tom Wagner and his US-based Shelby Companies Limited, welcome Brady's involvement and are confident that his expertise and experience will benefit the team.
Brady's decision to invest in Birmingham City adds him to the list of sporting superstars and celebrity names who have taken ownership stakes in soccer clubs. This trend is becoming increasingly popular, with various celebrities investing in sports teams for reasons ranging from a passion for the sport to personal connections or simply because they can.
From David Beckham's ownership of Inter Miami CF to LeBron James' stake in Liverpool, and Ryan Reynolds' involvement with Wrexham, the allure of football club ownership continues to attract celebrities. Whether it's ex-footballers, dominant athletes from other sports, music icons, or Hollywood stars, more and more stars are dipping their toes into football ownership. For Birmingham City, having Tom Brady on board could prove to be a game-changer as they seek to build success and compete at the highest level.