Julius Kiprop
- A$AP Rocky, the 36-year-old rapper and partner of pop star Rihanna, is reportedly part of a group led by celebrity lawyer Joe Tacopina looking to buy an 80% stake in Tranmere Rovers.
- Tranmere’s owner, Mark Palios, confirmed ongoing talks but did not explicitly confirm A$AP Rocky’s involvement.
- Tacopina, who has held ownership positions in several Italian clubs, has been interested in the League Two club for some time.
- American celebrity investments in lower-league football clubs have risen, with many looking to capitalize on the increasing popularity of English football in the U.S.
A$AP Rocky is rumored to be involved in an investment group aiming to purchase a controlling stake in English football club Tranmere Rovers. The 36-year-old rapper, known for his music career and high-profile relationship with Rihanna, is reportedly part of a bid led by renowned lawyer Joe Tacopina. The group is seeking to acquire 80% of the League Two club, based in Birkenhead, Merseyside.
Mark Palios, Tranmere Rovers’ current owner and former chief executive of the Football Association, revealed that the club has been exploring investment opportunities for two years. In an interview with Sky Sports, Palios mentioned that various parties, including Tacopina, have shown interest in the club. However, he did not directly confirm A$AP Rocky’s involvement but acknowledged that Tacopina’s celebrity connections could provide commercial advantages for the club.
Tacopina, a 58-year-old lawyer with experience in football, has previously been involved with AS Roma, Bologna, and Venezia in Italy. He currently serves as the president of Serie C side S.P.A.L. His interest in Tranmere comes at a time when American celebrities are increasingly investing in English football clubs, following the high-profile ownership of Wrexham by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
Palios noted the growing interest from U.S. investors in lower-league English football clubs, citing the potential for commercial growth and increased exposure through television deals and the upcoming World Cup in North America. He emphasized that Tranmere, currently in League Two, is well-positioned to benefit from this trend. The club has fluctuated between divisions in recent years but maintains untapped potential, according to Palios.
While Palios remains tight-lipped about the full extent of A$AP Rocky’s involvement, the possibility of the rapper joining the list of American celebrities investing in English football could generate substantial media attention and business opportunities for Tranmere Rovers. With negotiations ongoing, fans of the club are eagerly awaiting updates on the potential takeover and the future direction of their team.
