Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, the founders of cryptocurrency exchange Gemini, have invested $4.5 million in Real Bedford Football Club. This partnership was made through their investment firm, Winklevoss Capital. The club was acquired by cryptocurrency podcaster Peter McCormack in 2020.
The Winklevoss brothers’ investment will bring several exciting developments to Real Bedford. This includes the creation of a new training facility, a football academy, and increased support for youth and girls’ football programs. The club’s statement, announced on Twitter, confirms the twins as co-owners alongside Peter McCormack.
The club’s indirect connection to the Winklevoss twins began in January 2022 through Gemini’s sponsorship of their events. This is just the latest investment in Real Bedford’s plans to build a Bitcoin treasury.
Real Bedford’s association with high-profile American investors follows a trend seen with Wrexham AFC in Wales, where actors Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds bought a stake in February 2021 for £2 million ($2.5 million). The Winklevoss twins are known for their successful investments in sports technology and are now expanding into regional and community sport initiatives.
The Winklevoss twins are the latest in a growing list of wealthy investors who see football clubs and trophy assets as lucrative opportunities. According to a recent report by S&P Global, sports teams were once considered risky vanity assets, but now they offer market-beating returns and stability similar to low-growth utilities.
One club currently in talks to sell a minority stake is Sporting Lisbon Football Club in Portugal. This follows a debt restructuring at the club, where star player Cristiano Ronaldo got his start.