US investment group completes takeover of Sheffield Wednesday in 2026

Sheffield Wednesday's ownership changes hands to a US-led consortium led by David Storch, ending Dejphon Chansiri's tenure.

New ownership announced Sheffield Wednesday has finalized a deal where a US investment group, Arise Capital Partners, has taken control of the club, officially ending Dejphon Chansiri's ownership. The group is spearheaded by David Storch, a 73-year-old American executive with a background in aviation services. The English Football League (EFL) confirmed the takeover on Saturday and decided against imposing a 15-point deduction on the club after its exit from administration. The EFL cited the 'incredibly challenging and complex situation for all parties' as the reason for this decision. ## Consortium details and restrictions In addition to Storch, the three-person consortium includes his son Michael and Tom Costin, who brings football expertise through Blue Crow Sports Group. This ownership platform has controlling stakes in Spanish club Leganes, French side Le Havre, and Mexico's Cancun FC. As part of the agreement, Wednesday will remain under financial constraints for the next two seasons while retaining the ability to sign new players. The EFL's conditions are tied to the club's continued membership in the league. ## Timeline and deadline pressures Arise Capital set a May 1 deadline for the takeover, aware that delays beyond this date could risk further complications. The Independent Football Regulator was set to take over new owner approval processes from the EFL on May 5, adding urgency to finalize the deal. The final paperwork was completed on time on Friday, just ahead of Sheffield Wednesday's sold-out final match of the season against West Bromwich Albion at Hillsborough. ## Financial and administrative struggles Sheffield Wednesday entered administration on October 24 of the previous year, which resulted in an immediate 12-point deduction. An additional six points were deducted for missed payments to players, staff, HMRC, and transfer fees owed to other clubs. These penalties contributed to the club's early relegation to League One after a February 22 defeat to Sheffield United, with 13 games remaining in the season. Dejphon Chansiri, the former owner, received a three-year ban from holding any EFL club director or ownership roles. ## Previous takeover attempt fails Just three days after the club's relegation, a proposed takeover led by Dunfermline Athletic owner James Bord fell through, leaving Wednesday in uncertainty. Storch, who had been passed over as the preferred bidder in December, returned to negotiate a deal with the administrators. This agreement marks the end of Chansiri's ownership and ushers in new leadership for the club. With fresh ownership in place, Wednesday aims to rebuild and move forward. ## Club's recent developments The club's takeover announcement comes ahead of their final game of the season, which was sold out. Recent coverage includes the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Sheffield Wednesday. Content related to the club is available on BBC Sounds for further listening. The new ownership aims to bring stability and optimism to a club that has faced significant challenges in recent months.