Marques Colston, the New Orleans Saints' all-time leading receiver, has shifted his focus from American football to soccer investing. He cofounded The Champion Fund, an SEC-registered interval fund that enables athletes and everyday investors to access sports-related ownership opportunities. Among the fund’s four investments is a minority stake in Ipswich Town, an English club recently promoted from the EFL Championship to the Premier League. Colston highlighted the enduring appeal of live sports and the global popularity and growth trajectory of soccer as key reasons behind his interest.

Colston emphasized that his investment decisions prioritize the business operations outside the game rather than the on-field roster. Ipswich Town impressed The Champion Fund due to its strong gameday experience and solid ticket sales management. The investment was timed before Ipswich’s Premier League promotion in May 2026, seen as a strategic entry point. Colston noted the inherent risks of investing in English soccer clubs due to promotion and relegation dynamics, which can significantly affect a team’s valuation depending on the league they compete in.

The timing of the 2026 World Cup, hosted in North America, played a crucial role in motivating soccer investments by The Champion Fund. The tournament generated record-breaking U.S. viewership, including a final that averaged over 66 million viewers. This heightened visibility and engagement created positive momentum for soccer globally, providing an attractive environment for investors seeking growth and value in the sport’s expanding ecosystem.

The trend of American investors acquiring stakes in English soccer clubs is showing no signs of slowing, with 11 of the 20 Premier League teams having U.S. ownership. Colston acknowledged that part of the intrigue among investors is the possibility of replicating success stories like Wrexham, which captured widespread attention. This combination of soccer’s broad global appeal, business potential, and high-profile events such as the World Cup is driving broader buy-in from a diverse group of sports investors.