Burnley Football Club is a professional English football club based in Burnley, Lancashire, England. The club plays its home matches at Turf Moor, one of the oldest continuously used league grounds in England. Founded in 1882, Burnley has a long history in English football and has competed both in the Premier League and the English Football League Championship.
Burnley is structured as a corporate entity Burnley FC Holdings Limited and is a privately owned company rather than a publicly traded one.
Ownership Status of Burnley Football Club
Since December 2020, Burnley FC has been majority-owned by Velocity Sports Partners (VSP), the sports investment arm of the American private investment firm ALK Capital.
Primary Owner
| Entity / Person | Role / Stake | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Velocity Sports Partners | Majority Owner (approx. 84% stake) | Investment arm of ALK Capital that acquired controlling share in 2020. |
| Alan Pace | Chairman / Lead Investor | Managing Partner of ALK Capital; leads ownership and club strategy. |
| David Checketts (recent) | Investor in ALK holding company | Acquired stake in the holding company that owns Burnley and Espanyol. |
| Minority Investors | Includes JJ Watt & Others | Not majority but have equity and involvement with the club. |
Note: Ownership percentages and influence may evolve over time based on fresh investments.
Key Shareholder Highlights
Velocity Sports Partners (VSP) / ALK Capital
Burnley’s majority ownership lies with Velocity Sports Partners, the sporting investment division of ALK Capital — a U.S.-based investment company. In December 2020, VSP completed a takeover of Burnley by acquiring about 84% of the club for approximately £170 million. This represented the first time Burnley was controlled by a foreign investment firm rather than local businessmen or supporters.
Alan Pace – Chairman & Lead Investor
American businessman Alan Pace serves as chairman of Burnley FC and is the most visible figure in the ownership structure. He is the Managing Partner at ALK Capital, guiding overall strategy, investment, and sporting direction for the club. Pace officially became Burnley’s owner-chairman after the 2020 takeover.
David Checketts – New Investment Partner
In late 2025, veteran sports executive David Checketts, through his private equity vehicle, invested in the holding company that controls Burnley and RCD Espanyol. Checketts previously worked with Alan Pace in U.S. soccer ventures and has taken a stake in ALK Capital’s sports portfolio.
Minority Shareholders
Alongside ALK Capital’s majority stake, former NFL star JJ Watt and his wife Kealia Watt are minority investors in Burnley, adding both capital and international profile. Other minority stakeholders and figures may exist as part of the expanded investment group.
Recent Developments in Ownership
Since the original 2020 takeover, Burnley’s ownership landscape has evolved:
- In 2025, the Burnley ownership group — led by Alan Pace — expanded into a multi-club model by acquiring a majority stake in Spanish club RCD Espanyol through Velocity Sports Partners. This reflects broader ambitions to develop a football network under the ALK Capital umbrella.
- In late 2025, David Checketts made a significant investment in the holding company owning Burnley and Espanyol, strengthening the group’s financial foundation and international sports strategy.
These developments show that while ALK Capital remains the primary owner, the club’s ownership structure now includes additional strategic partners.
FAQs
1. Who currently owns Burnley FC?
Burnley FC is majority-owned by Velocity Sports Partners, the sporting arm of the American investment firm ALK Capital, with Alan Pace serving as chairman and lead investor.
2. Is Burnley publicly traded or privately owned?
Burnley is privately owned, structured through Burnley FC Holdings Limited where a majority stake is held by ALK Capital’s Velocity Sports Partners.
3. Who is Alan Pace?
Alan Pace is an American businessman and managing partner of ALK Capital. He leads Burnley’s ownership group and serves as the club’s chairman.
4. Have there been recent changes to ownership?
Yes. In 2025, additional investment by David Checketts strengthened the ALK Capital holding company that owns Burnley. The group also acquired majority control of Spanish club RCD Espanyol.
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