Ed Sheeran has purchased a 1.4% stake in Ipswich Town Football Club, where he has been sponsoring the team’s shirts since 2021. Though Sheeran will not be joining the board and is considered a passive investor, his involvement will bring perks like long-term use of a personalized executive box at Portman Road stadium.
This development coincides with Ipswich Town’s return to the Premier League after a 22-year absence, a momentous occasion for the club and its supporters.
Sheeran, a lifelong Ipswich fan who grew up in nearby Framlingham, expressed his excitement about the investment, calling it a dream come true. Despite his financial contribution, the singer made it clear that he will not influence club decisions or football tactics.
His announcement, which humorously involved him driving a tractor, emphasizes his passion for the club while acknowledging the highs and lows that come with being a football fan.
The deal follows significant financial investment in Ipswich Town earlier this year, with a US-based private equity firm purchasing a 44% stake for £105 million, suggesting Sheeran’s stake could be valued at over £2 million.
Sheeran’s involvement with the club goes beyond financial investment; he has played a vital role in promoting Ipswich, treating the squad to a private concert after their promotion and helping design their new “Suffolk pink” third kit.
Ipswich Town chairman Mark Ashton praised Sheeran’s ongoing support for the club, stating that his investment feels like a natural progression in their relationship.
Ashton highlighted the remarkable exposure Sheeran has brought to Ipswich Town on a global scale, calling their partnership special due to the singer’s dedication and generosity, which has benefitted the club in various ways over the past three years.
