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By Billie Schwab Dunn
Pop Culture and Entertainment Reporter
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A$AP Rocky is making waves beyond music as he could be stepping into the world of soccer by becoming a major investor in Tranmere Rovers, a League Two club in England.
Tranmere Rovers co-owner Mark Palios has hinted at a potential sale of the club, fueling rumors that the rapper could be involved in the acquisition. The 36-year-old artist, born Rakim Athelaston Mayers, is reportedly involved in an investment group led by celebrity lawyer Joe Tacopina.
If the sale goes through, it could mirror the recent high-profile acquisition of Wrexham Football Club by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The actors transformed the fortunes of the small Welsh team after purchasing it in 2020, a move officially completed in early 2021.
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Palios, who has owned the club with his wife Nicola since 2014, declined to confirm A$AP Rocky's involvement during a Sky Sports interview, but did acknowledge discussions about selling a stake. When asked about the timeline for finalizing the deal, Palios playfully responded: "ASAP."
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He later elaborated on BBC Radio Merseyside, saying: "The situation is that we have been looking for investment into the club for almost two years. The club has potential that is unrealized and it can be taken forward. We haven't had a for sale sign up but we've been approached."
Here's a closer look at A$AP Rocky's potential investment in Tranmere Rovers.
Newsweek emailed spokespeople for A$AP Rocky and Tacopina for comment on Thursday outside of normal business hours. A spokesperson for Tranmere Rovers declined to comment.
Will A$AP Rocky Buy Tranmere Rovers?
According to various reports, the rapper is teaming up with Tacopina, a well-known American lawyer, to spearhead a takeover of the historic club. Per the Daily Mail, A$AP Rocky has committed around £15 million ($19.5 million) to the deal, with Tacopina's group aiming to acquire 80% ownership of the team.
This venture is seen as more than just a financial investment, as Tacopina and A$AP Rocky are said to believe the rapper's global influence and celebrity power could significantly boost the club's commercial appeal. The strategy includes leveraging A$AP Rocky's status to attract sponsorships and raise the club's local and international profile.
There's also buzz about singer and businesswoman Rihanna, A$AP Rocky's partner, attending matches, which could draw attention from new audiences.
Who Is Joe Tacopina?
Tacopina is a prominent American lawyer who handles high-profile cases and represents celebrities, athletes and political figures. He has built a reputation as a skilled criminal defense attorney, with significant media exposure and a track record of defending clients in major legal battles.
The lawyer previously filed a declaration requesting the withdrawal of his firm's representation of former President Donald Trump in multiple lawsuits. Tacopina withdrew his firm's legal services from the hush money case involving Stormy Daniels only two months before the trial was set to start, at the end of March. He also requested to withdraw his firm's legal services from E. Jean Carroll's civil defamation and battery case against Trump.
Beyond his legal career, Tacopina has become involved in sports, as he has held ownership stakes in various soccer clubs, especially in Italy. He served as president of Italian clubs such as Bologna FC, Venezia FC and SPAL, playing a role in their management and development.
His legal background, combined with his interest in soccer, has made him a key figure in club takeovers, including his current involvement with Tranmere Rovers. Tacopina's strategy often involves boosting a club's commercial potential through marketing, celebrity involvement and strategic business planning.
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US Celebs Seek to Emulate Wrexham Fairytale
The potential acquisition of Tranmere Rovers by A$AP Rocky is the latest chapter in a growing trend of American celebrities venturing into British soccer. These high-profile stars are increasingly seeing the lower leagues as ripe for investment, eager to recreate the magic sparked by Reynolds and McElhenney at Wrexham.
Like Reynolds and McElhenney, A$AP Rocky brings international star power to a club with a dedicated but largely local following, a dynamic that could dramatically elevate its profile and commercial potential—and this trend is gaining momentum.
Recently, NFL legend Tom Brady joined Birmingham City as a minority owner, taking an active role in revitalizing the club both on and off the field. Similarly, actor Will Ferrell, a longtime fan of soccer, became involved with Leeds United, adding his star status to a club seeking to reestablish itself in the Premier League. These American investors are not merely passive figures—they are actively reshaping the clubs' futures through marketing, outreach and business acumen, aiming to turn sporting ventures into global brands.
The success at Wrexham shows just how far-reaching such investments can be. The club has gone from non-league obscurity to worldwide fame, boosted by the docu-series Welcome to Wrexham. For Tranmere, Birmingham and Leeds, the allure of such a fairytale outcome is hard to ignore. As more U.S. celebrities look to follow in Reynolds and McElhenney's footsteps, British soccer is becoming an intriguing intersection of Hollywood glamour and grassroots passion.
Neil Joyce, CEO of fan data experts CLV Group, told Newsweek that celebrity involvement in soccer could completely change a team's future.
"Celebrity ownership in soccer has proven to be a real game-changer, with Wrexham's success under Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney highlighting how 'star power' can transform a club's global reach and commercial potential," he said.
Joyce continued: "For Tranmere Rovers, it's clear A$AP Rocky's involvement could unlock similar opportunities, leveraging his influence in music, fashion and pop culture to attract a whole new global audience. Celebrities bring their fandoms along, tapping into new markets like the U.S., where the appetite for English football is growing, as seen in no small way through CBS' major broadcast deal to show EFL matches. Equally with 83 million European Football fans in the U.S. and 44% of those still undecided on which team to support, leveraging the fusion of entertainment and sport could be key in unlocking fan connections and driving revenue streams well beyond the pitch."
Tranmere Rovers—A Potential Sleeping Giant
Tranmere Rovers were on the cusp of the Premier League in the early 1990s, finishing third in the old Second Division (now EFL Championship) under manager John Aldridge in the 1993-94 season, narrowly missing out on promotion through the playoffs. The club had notable successes, including reaching the League Cup final in 2000 and making a strong run in the FA Cup.
Tranmere now stands out in the lower leagues with a dedicated fanbase and a large stadium. Prenton Park, the team's home ground, has a capacity of around 16,500, exceeding that of Wrexham, and currently sits in League Two. This good-sized capacity contributes to consistent attendance figures, reflecting the loyalty of supporters.
With the right investment and strategic direction, the club could certainly aim for a return to the higher echelons of English soccer, much like Wrexham has done.
Update 10/24/24, 5:00 a.m. ET: This article has been updated to reflect the fact that Newsweek also reached out to a spokesperson for Tacopina and Tranmere Rovers declined to comment.
Update 10/24/24, 2:20 p.m. ET: This article has been updated to include a comment from Joyce.
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