The founders of the Gemini bitcoin exchange, Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, have invested $4.5 million in the English football club Real Bedford FC. This was announced by its owner, Peter McCormack, a popular bitcoin podcast host.
Pleased to announce that Winklevoss Capital is to invest $4.5m into @realbedford.
Welcoming my new co-owners @tyler and @cameron Winklevoss.
LFG ?☠️ https://t.co/I7RVqgkKWd
— Peter McCormack?☠️ (@PeterMcCormack) April 12, 2024
The transaction was paid in bitcoin through Winklevoss Capital. The brothers have become co-owners of Real Bedford FC.
According to a press release, this investment is the largest ever made in a UK football club outside the professional leagues.
Tyler Winklevoss noted that “from a philosophical standpoint, football and the first cryptocurrency have much in common.” In his view, both are global, borderless, and open to everyone.
Today, @tyler and I are excited to announce that @winklevosscap has made a $4.5M bitcoin investment in @realbedford, becoming co-owners alongside @PeterMcCormack, and creating the first-ever football club powered by bitcoin. Why did we make this investment? A few reasons:
Peter…
— Cameron Winklevoss (@cameron) April 12, 2024
“We believe that Real Bedford, founded on bitcoin and Peter [McCormack]’s leadership, can overcome all challenges, shake up the establishment, and dethrone current leaders. We love stories about underdogs who can literally change the game,” emphasized the Gemini co-founder.
Real Bedford is part of the Premier Division of the Spartan South Midlands League. McCormack announced his decision to purchase the club in December 2021.
NEWS: I can announce that I have agreed on a deal to acquire Bedford FC from their current chairman Lui.
There is a lot to cover and I will do my best in this thread. If you want to follow:
— Twitter: @realbedford
— Website: https://t.co/P51dyHXyw11/n pic.twitter.com/U6LPOhXwti
— Peter McCormack?☠️ (@PeterMcCormack) December 16, 2021
In 2023, the fantasy football platform Sorare signed a partnership deal with the English Premier League worth £120 million.
In August, FC Barcelona received €120 million in investments from Liberto Football Finance AG and Nipa Capital BV to develop Web3 initiatives.