America billionaires' takeover of English soccer runs much deeper than Ted Lasso and bears little semblance to the plucky underdog and fictional coach.
With the United Kingdom's approval of Todd Boehly's record-breaking $5.3 billion takeover of Chelsea, Americans now control eight of 20 English Premiere League teams, including recently promoted Fulham. Meanwhile other wealthy US investors own various stakes across all levels of British soccer, like Burnley of the EFL Championship, the country's second division.
Sanctions against outgoing Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich necessitated Wednesday's sale - the most expensive in sports history - but Boehly, co-owner of Los Angeles Dodgers, was one of several American billionaires lining up for their share of the EPL.