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WHAT HAPPENED?
The Red Dragons have benefited considerably from having Hollywood superstars in their boardroom, with famous faces at SToK Racecourse opening up a window to the world. Wrexham now boast a growing fanbase in the United States and beyond, with an award-winning documentary series aiding that cause.
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Getty/GOALTHE GOSSIP
There has been talk of Tranmere becoming the latest side to welcome celebrity investment, with rap star A$AP Rocky – the partner of music icon Rihanna – supposedly forming part of a consortium that are looking to piece together a package that will allow them to buy into the League Two outfit.
WHAT FAN DATA EXPERT SAID
The benefits to those at Prenton Park are obvious, if a deal can be done, with football fan data expert Neil Joyce – CEO of the CLV Group – telling GOAL: “A$AP Rocky’s potential involvement with Tranmere Rovers could represent a pivotal moment for the League Two club, offering it an immediate chance to be catapulted into global brand recognition. Celebrity ownership has reshaped how clubs grow their fanbases and build commercial success as we’ve seen with Wrexham under Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. These high-profile, celebrity owners bring with them established and diverse fanbases, and an invaluable mix of influence, reach, and a unique narrative that attracts fans far beyond the traditional football community.
“It’s easy to see parallels between the communities surrounding Tranmere and their local Welsh counterparts. Birkenhead, like Wrexham, is a tightly knit community with a strong identity, and a town where many people rightly feel left behind. For Tranmere, Rocky’s vast following in music, fashion, and pop culture provides a similar opportunity to draw in new supporters who may never have considered lower-league football before. And, just like with Wrexham, it would mean a whole wealth of benefits for the local community, launching it into the international picture.
“With CBS now broadcasting EFL games to millions across the U.S., the stage is set for clubs like Tranmere to captivate a rapidly growing American fanbase. It’s worth noting that 83 million Americans already follow European football, and nearly half of them are undecided on a team to support – meaning the timing couldn’t be better. A$AP Rocky offers a gateway to the American market, and by harnessing his influence and popularity, Tranmere could unlock connections to new audiences who are loyal to the celebrity’s brand.
“What’s even more exciting is the potential for synergies and unique cross-industry opportunities between sport, music, and lifestyle branding. Partnerships with celebrities open doors for innovative merchandise, content creation, social media-driven fan engagement, and event experiences that could make Tranmere Rovers as much a cultural icon as a football club. This fusion of entertainment and sport doesn’t just build fans; it builds loyalty and connections with fans identifying with the club’s story. It’s a bold new era, where clubs that embrace this celebrity connection can extend their reach far beyond the pitch, creating a global impact and driving transformative growth.”
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Getty/GOALWHAT NEXT?
Current Tranmere owner Mark Palios has opened the door to outside investment, but there have been reports of a key figure in A$AP Rocky’s party walking away from the proposal. Hope remains on Merseyside, though, as Rovers seek to mirror the success enjoyed by Wrexham with Reynolds and McElhenney at the helm.
