8 Hollywood stars who’ve owned sports teams – from Kate Upton to Ryan Reynolds

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    When they are not in front of a camera trying to win the latest Academy Award, some Hollywood stars very much enjoy getting involved in sports.

    Being the mega-rich individuals they are, these celebrities have the financial muscle to truly make their mark in the industry – and even buy the clubs of their dreams. The purchase of such teams comes either via part or the full investment – so as long as they get their name on it.

    Here Daily Star Sport takes you through some of the biggest A-listers who have opted to put their hand in their pocket and invest in a sports franchise – from hip-hop star Jay-Z to The Office legend Mindy Kaling.

    READ MORE: 7 billionaires who could buy Liverpool as FSG put club up for sale – including Elon Musk

    Mindy Kaling – Swansea City

    The Office US actress who played Kelly Kapoor is part of an American consortium that owns Swansea City.

    The group is made up of 25 investors, with businessman Steve Kaplan and Jason Levien leading the 68% controlling stake buy-out in 2016.

    The identities of those investing were kept under close wraps until the takeover was completed in 2017 – with Kaling being a huge surprise.

    The actress said on ITV's Lorraine show that it was TV guru Oprah Winfrey who inspired her to buy a stake in the Championship side. She said: “I was inspired by Oprah, who invests in things she believes in, I believe in this team, and I think it is a smart choice. I don't think it [my interest] is going anywhere. I could have picked something a bit closer to my home, but I think it is an adventure."

    Louis Tomlinson – Doncaster Rovers

    One Direction star Louis Tomlinson announced he had bought boyhood club Doncaster Rovers in 2014.

    When the band was at the pinnacle of its success, the singer launched a crowdfunding campaign in order to purchase the League Two side.

    The 30-year-old said at the time: "For me, this is all about the football, the community and restoring the excitement. I want to see the Doncaster Rovers supporters get the club the success it deserves.”

    Rovers have dropped a division since.

    Will Ferrell – Los Angeles FC

    Elf star Will Ferrell is supposedly a huge football fan and even invested in MLS side Los Angeles FC, becoming co-owner in 2016.

    Would you want an A-list celebrity to own your favourite sports club? Let us know in the comments section.

    The film star joins the likes of basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Tony Robbins, YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley and brothers Allen and Mark Shapiro as members of the board.

    And the club know all about star appeal, bringing in former Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale earlier this year.

    Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney – Wrexham

    When the news hit that TV stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney would be buying non-league side Wrexham, many had to look twice to see that it was not April’s Fools.

    They came at the right time. The Red Dragons had just finished in their lowest-ever league position the season prior. But now the club looks almost unrecognisable, with the Welsh side challenging for a place in League Two next season.

    Kate Upton and Eva Longoria – Necaxa

    American actress Eva Longoria and model Kate Upton teamed up with former Arsenal star Mesut Ozil to invest in the Mexican football club Necaxa in 2021.

    The trio is part of a bill of stars who invested half of the money into the side.

    Upton and her baseball pitcher husband Justin Verlander, as well as Ozil and Longoria, joined forces to get a proceed of the club’s profits.

    Matthew McConaughey – Austin FC

    Matthew McConaughey opted to buy into Austin in 2019, having claimed that he used to play as a goalkeeper during his younger days.

    The Wolf of Wall Street actor was unveiled as one of four new minority owners of the MLS expansion franchise Austin FC.

    When speaking about his decision to buy into Austin FC, the Hollywood star said: "I played as a goalie for about 12 years growing up, but after that soccer wasn’t too strong in my life. I kept up with the World Cup and the Premier League but not much else.

    "Then I met my now-wife Camila, who’s from Brazil, and suddenly soccer is the front page in my life."

    Jeff Bezos and Jay-Z – Washington Commanders

    Billionaire businessmen Jeff Bezos and Jay-Z aren't owners yet… but they did meet up for a secret dinner and it’s believed that the pair are thinking of launching a bid for American football side Washington Commanders.

    The Amazon founder Bezos and hip-hop legend were seen at a restaurant called Horses near the Sunset Strip of Los Angeles on Monday evening. TMZ reported that the eatery is usually closed on a Monday, but opened up especially for the pair, who could soon be part of the NFL.

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    • Hollywood
    • Swansea City FC
    • Doncaster Rovers FC
    • One Direction
    • Louis Tomlinson
    • Mesut Ozil
    • Championship
    • Ryan Reynolds
    • Wrexham Football Club
    • Nfl

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