A$AP Rocky is making waves beyond music as he could enter the world of football by becoming a major investor in Tranmere Rovers, a League Two club in England.
Tranmere Rovers co-owner Mark Palios has hinted at a potential sale of the club, fueling rumors that the rapper could be involved in the takeover. The 36-year-old artist, born Rakim Athelaston Mayers, has been involved in an investment group led by celebrity lawyer Joe Tacopina.
Palios, who has owned the club with his wife Nicola since 2014, refused to confirm A$AP Rocky’s involvement during a Sky Sports interview, but acknowledged discussions about selling a stake. When asked about the timeline for finalizing the deal, Palios jokingly replied, “ASAP.”
He then elaborated on BBC Radio Merseyside, saying: “The situation is that we have been looking for investment in the club for almost two years. The club has a potential that is not realized and can be carried forward. We have not had a for. sign up for the sale but we were approached.” Could A$AP Rocky Repeat Wrexham Fairytale With Tranmere Rovers?
Could A$AP Rocky Repeat Wrexham Fairytale With Tranmere Rovers?
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If the sale goes through, it could mirror the recent high-profile purchase of Wrexham Football Club by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The players transformed the fortunes of the non-league Welsh side after the acquisition in 2020, a move officially completed in early 2021.
Here’s a closer look at A$AP Rocky’s potential investment in Tranmere Rovers.
Newsweek emailed a spokesperson for A$AP Rocky for comment Thursday outside of normal business hours.
Will A$AP Rocky Buy Tranmere Rovers?
According to several reports, the rapper is teaming up with Tacopina, a well-known American lawyer, to lead a takeover of the historic club. Peru Daily MailA$AP Rocky committed around £15 million ($19.5 million) to the deal, with Tacopina’s group aiming to acquire 80% of the team’s ownership.
This venture is seen as more than a financial investment, as Tacopina and A$AP Rocky are said to believe that the rapper’s global influence and celebrity power could significantly increase the club’s commercial appeal. The strategy includes leveraging A$AP Rocky’s status to attract sponsorships and raise the club’s local and international profile.
There’s also buzz about A$AP Rocky’s partner singer and entrepreneur Rihanna attending the parties, which could draw attention from new audiences.
Who is Joe Tacopina?
Tacopina is a prominent American attorney 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 history of defending clients in major legal battles.
The attorney previously filed a statement requesting the withdrawal of his firm’s representation of former President Donald Trump in several lawsuits. Tacopina withdrew his firm’s legal services from the hush money case involving Stormy Daniels just two months before the trial was set to begin, at the end of March. He also asked 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 been involved in sports, as he has held stakes in various football clubs, particularly 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 football, has made him a key figure in club acquisitions, including his current involvement with Tranmere Rovers. Tacopina’s strategy often involves enhancing a club’s business potential through marketing, celebrity involvement and strategic business planning.
Donald Trump stands with his attorneys, Joe Tacopina and Boris Epshteyn, at Manhattan Criminal Court on April 4, 2023, in New York City. Tacopina also held stakes in various football clubs, particularly in Italy.
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US celebrities are trying to emulate the Wrexham Fairytale
A$AP Rocky’s potential takeover of Tranmere Rovers is the latest chapter in a growing trend of American celebrities venturing into British football. These high-profile stars increasingly see the lower leagues as ripe for investment, eager to recreate the magic sparked by Reynolds and McElhenney at Wrexham.
Like Reynolds and McElhenney, A$AP Rocky brings international star power to a club with a dedicated but largely local following, a dynamic that could dramatically raise 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 the revitalization of the club both on and off the field. Similarly, actor Will Ferrell, a long-time football fan, has become involved with Leeds United, adding his star status to a club looking to re-establish themselves in the Premier League. These American investors are not just passive figures – they are actively reshaping the future of clubs through marketing, outreach and business acumen, with the goal of turning sports businesses into global brands.
The success at Wrexham shows how far investments can be extended. The club went from league obscurity to worldwide fame, boosted by the docu-series Welcome to Wrexham. For Tranmere, Birmingham and Leeds, the attraction of such a fairytale result is hard to ignore. As more US celebrities look to follow in the footsteps of Reynolds and McElhenney, British football has become an intriguing intersection of Hollywood glamor and grassroots passions.
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 the 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 stand out in the lower leagues with a dedicated fanbase and a great stadium. Prenton Park, the home of the team, has a capacity of around 16,500, above that of Wrexham, and is currently in League Two. This good-sized capacity contributes to consistent attendance figures, reflecting supporter loyalty.
With the right investment and strategic direction, the club could certainly aim for a return to the highest levels of English football, as Wrexham did.