• Loading stock data...
Thursday, April 24, 2025

Everton’s Takeover Is Dead. Another U.S. Investor Is Already Interested

  • An agreement for 777 Partners to buy the Premier League club expired.
  • A minority shareholder at Crystal Palace has expressed interest in the team.
Everton defender Nathan Patterson
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The complicated saga of an American investment firm attempting to take over English Premier League club Everton is finally over. An agreement for Miami-based 777 Partners to purchase a majority stake in Everton from its parent company, Blue Heaven Holdings Limited, has expired, the club announced.

How the Deal Broke Down

In September, 777—which already had stakes in six other soccer clubs around the world, like LaLiga’s Sevilla—struck a deal to acquire Everton at a reported valuation of roughly $685 million. The takeover was set to be completed by the end of 2023, but it never received regulatory approval because 777 didn’t provide audited financial statements to the U.K.’s Financial Conduct Authority. In May, a British asset management company sued 777 over fraud.

Now, Everton is officially back on the market, and all indications are that the club’s majority shareholder, Farhad Moshiri (who owns 94.1% via the aforementioned holding company), intends to find a new buyer. “The club will continue to operate as usual, while it works with Blue Heaven Holdings to assess all options for the club’s future ownership,” a statement from Everton read.

A Steep Price Tag

Last week, before 777’s agreement even expired, another U.S. investor made their interest in Everton known: John Textor, a minority owner of Crystal Palace, which finished 10th in the EPL this season. Textor, whose Eagles Football Holdings has stakes in five clubs worldwide, told The Athletic he wants to become a majority owner of an EPL team, and some conversations with Everton have already happened. “Everton represents the best of English football: the struggles, the glory, the want,” he said. “I love that it’s out of London. Everybody should want to buy Everton right now. That kind of club is what I’m referring to.”

The Athletic estimated it would cost around $955 million to buy Everton, reduce debts, complete construction of a new $700 million stadium, and put together a squad competitive enough to stay in the EPL. Everton finished 15th this season—three spots above relegation—after enduring a penalty of six points (which are worth winning two matches) for breaching financial fair play rules. That price point is almost $300 million more than Everton’s valuation last fall when 777 first struck its takeover deal.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jul 20, 2022; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Everton defender Nathan Patterson (3) challenged by Minnesota United forward Luis Amarilla (9) in the first half at Allianz Field.

Everton Accelerates Rebound With Addition of Texans Minority Owner

Friedkin acquired Everton in December after a prolonged sale process.
FuboTV signage

Disney’s Fubo Takeover Now Faces DOJ Antitrust Review

The deal struck by the ESPN parent company could be in jeopardy.

NHL’s U.S. Playoff TV Ratings Down 27% in Early Games

This season’s numbers were down 12% compared to the 2023–2024 season.

Featured Today

Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) reacts after a three point basket against the Houston Cougars during the first half in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome.

Cooper Flagg’s Timing Is Perfect for the NBA and USA Basketball

The projected No. 1 pick just declared for the draft.
Apr 14, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Paige Bueckers is interviewed by ESPN after being selected with the number one overall pick to the Dallas Wings in the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards
April 21, 2025

ESPN’s WNBA Coverage Mirrors the League’s Stunning Growth

“I don’t think we stand still in our coverage of women’s sports,” says Rowe.
Mar 16, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) celebrates with guard Isaiah Joe (11) after score in the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum.
April 20, 2025

Unorthodox OKC: The Thunder Redefined Tanking to Become NBA’s Best

A rebuild years in the making has OKC in the driver’s seat.
Mar 13, 2020; Augusta, GA, USA; The front entrance at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Friday morning. The Masters Tournament has been postponed due to coronavirus concerns.
opinion
April 20, 2025

What’s It Like to Play Augusta? A Day on the World’s Most..

Inside a round at the most exclusive club in the world.

Max Verstappen Linked to $300M Aston Martin Deal Ahead of Miami GP

Aston Martin is currently seventh in the constructors championship.
March 20, 2025

High School Sports Power Signs Eight-Figure Rights Deal in First

The deal pays roughly $1 million annually, FOS has learned.
March 27, 2025

Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions Gets PE Boost

The Hall of Famer’s company gains another prominent backer.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

This week, Two-time Super Bowl Champion and CBS NFL analyst Logan Ryan joins us to talk the business of sports on our third installment of Portfolio Players.
March 20, 2025

Maxx Crosby’s Agent: Edge Rushers Set to Dominate NFL’s Non-QB Market

Maxx Crosby just signed a three-year, $106.5 million extension.
March 4, 2025

Eagles Make Saquon Barkley NFL’s Highest-Paid Running Back Ever

Barkley is coming off a historic 2024 season with the Eagles.
February 18, 2025

Tiger Woods Signs First PGA Tour Player to Wear Sun Day Red

Karl Vilips will wear Sun Day Red at his season debut at the Mexico Open.
Teammates embrace during matchup in The Hundred cricket league
February 15, 2025

Google, Microsoft, Adobe CEOs Buy Stakes in Cricket League

The England and Wales Cricket Board raised £520m by selling team stakes.