Who Owns Ipswich Town FC?

Ipswich Town Football Club (ITFC) is a professional football team based in Ipswich, Suffolk, England. The Club was founded in 1878, became professional in 1936, and joined the Football League in 1938.

ITFC won the English league title in 1961-62, the FA Cup in 1978, and the UEFA Cup in 1981. The team plays their home game at Portman Road, which has a capacity of about 29,000.

Known as “The Blues,” Ipswich Town recently returned to the Premier League after a long absence, celebrating back-to-back promotions in 2024.

Ipswich Town FC Ownership History

For much of its early years, the club was closely connected to the Cobbold family, who played a big part in making Ipswich Town a strong name in English football.

The Cobbold family’s leadership began in 1957 when John Cobbold became chairman. This was a very successful time for the club.

One of the greatest achievements came in the 1961-62 season when Ipswich Town won the English league title. Later, in 1978, the club added another major trophy, winning the FA Cup. The Cobbolds were more than just owners, they worked hard to create a bond between the team and its supporters.

Lady Blanche Cobbold, another notable member of the family, was also heavily involved with the club, acting as president and helping with community projects and charities.

The Cobbolds’ involvement in the club continued until 2007, with different family members holding leadership roles and guiding the team through decades of change. By the early 2000s, Ipswich Town faced serious financial struggles.

In 2003, the club entered administration due to debts. This made it difficult for Ipswich to compete at a high level. In 2007, British businessman Marcus Evans bought the club.

He purchased 87.5% of Ipswich Town and took on its debt, which was around £32 million at the time. Evans’ main goal was to fix the club’s financial problems and make investments in areas like player recruitment and the club’s facilities.

During Marcus Evans’ time as owner, Ipswich Town experienced some ups and downs. While he put money into improving the club, results on the pitch were not as successful as many fans had hoped.

The club spent years in the Championship but struggled to secure promotion to the Premier League. Many managers came and went as the club tried to find success.

Unfortunately, despite these changes and Evans’ efforts, the team continued to fall short of expectations. As the years passed, frustrations grew among supporters.

Fans appreciated Evans’ financial efforts, but they felt the club lacked direction and ambition to push forward. By 2021, with Ipswich Town still underperforming and facing more challenges, talks began about new ownership.

Who Is The New Owner Of Ipswich Town FC?

The new owners of Ipswich Town Football Club are a group called Gamechanger 20 Ltd, which is made up of American investors. They took over the club in April 2021 for around £40 million.

This deal also cleared about £100 million in debt that had built up under the previous owner, Marcus Evans. The new ownership brought a fresh start for the club, which had struggled for years with financial problems and inconsistent performance on the field.

Gamechanger 20 Ltd is supported by ORG Portfolio Management and members of the Three Lions Fund. These investors are also involved with Phoenix Rising FC, a football team that plays in the United States’ USL Championship.

Their goal for Ipswich Town has always been clear: to rebuild the team and improve the club’s infrastructure to make it competitive again in English football.

In 2023, another group called Bright Path Sports Partners joined as part of the ownership. They invested up to £105 million and took a 40% stake in the club.

This deal raised Ipswich Town’s value to over £250 million, which is a record for a team in the Championship league. Bright Path Sports Partners focus on long-term growth and the local community, instead of just aiming for profits.

A special part of Ipswich Town’s new ownership is the involvement of famous musician Ed Sheeran, who is a big fan of the club. In August 2024, he bought a small share of 1.4% in the club.

Ed Sheeran has been a loyal supporter for many years, even sponsoring the team’s shirts since 2021 and helping design the third kit. Since the takeover, Ipswich Town has seen incredible improvements.

The club appointed manager Kieran McKenna, who has done an outstanding job. Under his leadership, Ipswich earned back-to-back promotions, which brought them back to the Premier League for the first time since 2002.

Fans are now looking forward to a bright future as the team continues to grow stronger and aim for even bigger achievements.

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How Much Is Ipswich Town F.C. Worth?

As of 2024, Ipswich Town FC is valued at more than £250 million. This major jump in the club’s value came after Bright Path Sports Partners made a big investment.

In March 2024, they bought a 40% stake in the club for up to £105 million, which was a record-breaking deal for Championship clubs. The club’s financial situation has changed a lot over the past few years.

Ipswich Town’s return to the Premier League has also made a huge difference to its financial future. After being away from the top division for 22 years, the promotion brings major opportunities.

The Premier League is known for its huge broadcasting deals, sponsorships, and matchday income. Even teams that finish at the bottom of the league can earn over £100 million in TV money.

This extra income gives Ipswich a stronger financial base to grow even more. If the club does face relegation in the future, they will still be supported by parachute payments.

These payments, which can be around £75 million spread over two years, help clubs stay strong financially and give them a chance to return to the Premier League quickly.

Ken Anucha

Kenneth is a an avid soccer follower, fan and writer. He is a consistent follower of the sport and is a fan of Chelsea FC.