Multi-Club Ownership in Football: Strategy, Power, and the Future of the Global Game - Business in Football

Professional football is no longer just a sport—it is a global business network.

From the rise of the Premier League to the expansion of ownership groups across continents, the structure of football has fundamentally changed. Today, clubs are no longer isolated institutions. They are part of interconnected systems spanning Europe, North America, South America, Asia, and beyond.

This book breaks down one of the most important and least understood developments in modern football: multi-club ownership.

Through clear analysis and real-world case studies, you will discover how ownership groups operate, why they exist, and what they mean for the future of the game.

Inside, you'll explore:

The rise of multi-club ownership and how it evolved from local ownership models The business logic behind football portfolios, including risk diversification and player trading How major groups like City Football Group and Red Bull built global networks The financial systems powering modern football, from sponsorship to broadcasting UEFA regulations, ownership rules, and the battle over competitive integrity The impact on fans, club identity, and the balance of power in the sport

This is not a surface-level overview. It is a structured, research-driven breakdown of how football really works today.

Whether you're a fan, investor, student, or simply curious about the business side of sport, this book gives you the clarity most coverage misses.

The game hasn't changed on the pitch.

But everything around it has.