NFL great JJ Watt and his soccer star wife Kealia want to help Burnley FC break America after becoming minority investors in the Lancashire club.
The sporting power couple broke news of their investment in Burnley on Monday and they plan to be introduced to fans at Turf Moor at next week’s home game against Cardiff City.
JJ retired from his playing career in January, while Kealia, who has represented the USWNT three times, is currently a free agent.
As well as buying a financial stake in Burnley, both plan to get emotionally invested in the team and the surrounding community.
Their decision to get involved with Burnley was partly inspired by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s success with Wrexham AFC.
The Hollywood duo have massively raised Wrexham’s international profile since buying the club in February 2021, but they have also connected personally with members of the local community in the Welsh town.
That is something that JJ and Kealia are keen to replicate.
In a joint statement, the couple said: “When you invest in a club that’s been around since 1882, you must have great respect for its history and tradition.
“We understand that not only are we investing in the squad and manager, we’re investing in the town and its people. We take that responsibility very seriously and intend to work hard in earning their trust and support.”
Both Wrexham and Burnley will be playing in a higher division next season after winning promotion to the Premier League and League Two respectively.
JJ and Kealia’s statement added: “We believe that Burnley is a special club with incredible supporters and we want to help continue to elevate its global profile on its return to the Premier League.”
As well as releasing a statement, the Watts introduced themselves to Burnley fans in a video posted on Twitter.
In the video, JJ says: “We don’t have ‘buy an entire European football club’ kind of money, we are more along the lines of minority investment but massive emotional investment.
“So America, allow us to introduce you to Burnley. Buckle up kids because we are about to go on a little journey called the English football pyramid. Welcome to the Premier League.”
Later on Monday, Burnley’s new investors spoke to Sky Sports and discussed comparisons between themselves and Wrexham’s North American co-owners.
Referencing the hit series Welcome To Wrexham, Kealia said: “We watched the documentary and it was so cool to see what they’ve done.
“That’s kind of what we are modelling this after. Wrexham is such a fun team and we have followed that.’
JJ then admitted that he and Kealia had spoken to Reynolds and McElhenney regarding life as soccer club investors.
“I spoke to Rob about his experience and tried to gain some insight into what he’s done,” he said. “And I’ve spoken to Ryan and tried to get his ideas about what has worked and what hasn’t.
“Obviously it is a different league and a different situation but they have done an incredible job. Our goal is to come in and get involved in the community, to really feel like the supporters.
“We want to earn their trust and help tell their story to America and beyond. We want people to know about the Clarets.”
Source: si.com
