JJ and Kealia Watt invest in Burnley FC

[Pickles]

Not really linked but I wish we were having all this exposure with the other crest.

[Chester Perry]

Hi CP, what are you on about?

"they were shareholders in that partnership already?"

"they will have had to give up a proportion of their holding..?"

"have they received compensation for that?"

Where are you getting all this stuff from?

Ok the language is likely incorrect

The partners may want a personal payment for having another partner on board - I use the FSG model as the basis of the one for ALK/VSL - when Redbird invested in them it was reported as being for a 10% stake - the money appears to have gone to the other partners

[bobinho]

Does this mean the absolute fear mongering panic and aggressive anti American sentiment is over?

Is Mr Pace forgiven?

[Lancasterclaret]

I wonder if JJ’s wife’s Utah connections have anything to do with this.

Hoping that Utah Saints invest now you mention it

[Paul Waine]

I wish I could say I know what you are alluding to but I don’t .

I’m sure you guys who know a lot about the business side of things will explain it to us when the time comes. I always find your posts and Chester’s posts very informative (there are others who’s names I can’t remember sorry) , wether or not I understand them fully is another story.

BFC's accounts for the period ended 31st July 2022 are due to be filed at Companies House on 30th April 2023. The accounts for the previous year were signed on 28th April 2022. They appear on the Companies House site on 4th May 2022. Anyone and everyone can view all Companies House records for free. First Monday in May is a bank holiday. There's always a little time lag between Companies House receiving the accounts and the accounts being visible on their website.

As we know, EFL have requirement for earlier sight of the club's accounts. The club has however delayed submitting to EFL. A few weeks ago they placed the club under a transfer embargo awaiting receipt of the accounts. We can expect the transfer embargo to be lifted next week.

[Nori1958]

At the end of the video it mentions the derby at Turf Moor. That was Burnley v Blackburn in November. That was when JJ and Kelia visited Burnley.

Preston, Wigan are derbies.....I wasn't here at the time, was there snow the day before rovers?....certainly was before wigan

[Spijed]

Does this mean the absolute fear mongering panic and aggressive anti American sentiment is over?

Is Mr Pace forgiven?

The fear mongering will return if we don't stay in the Prem. That's the only way our business model can work.

[Paul Waine]

Ok the language is likely incorrect

The partners may want a personal payment for having another partner on board - I use the FSG model as the basis of the one for ALK/VSL - when Redbird invested in them it was reported as being for a 10% stake - the money appears to have gone to the other partners

FSG is not the model for ALK/VSP. Remember, ALK is the managing partner and VSP is the entity where the investing partners invest.

Interesting, however, that JJ Watt and Kealia Watt spoke of being "hands on." Maybe they will be a new investor in ALK and part of the managing partnership.

[Big Vinny K]

Let us hope so - but that is not the way of most ownership groups that follow the model employed at our club go about their development - witness the huge investment of Redbird in FSG

If money does reach the club - will it be a repayment of related company loans, new shares. or a loan. Of course it is unlikely we will ever know the size of the actual investment the Watt's of made.

We don’t know the answers to that but why are you concerned ?
Whether it’s indirectly or directly the investment is going to benefit the club in one way or another.

What is it specifically that you are worried about ?

[Chester Perry]

...As we know, EFL have requirement for earlier sight of the club's accounts. The club has however delayed submitting to EFL. A few weeks ago they placed the club under a transfer embargo awaiting receipt of the accounts. We can expect the transfer embargo to be lifted next week.

which is later than the club said it would be hoping for March 12 2023 - 52 days ago

"...Both the Club and our new auditors are confident this can be resolved swiftly and we hope our submission will be made next month at which point the embargo will be lifted."

the embargo still stands (https://www.efl.com/-more/governance/embargoes/)

as an aside it is now 173 days since BDO were appointed as the new auditors

[RVclaret]

https://twitter.com/skysportsnews/statu ... 59Piho1d6w

Interview with the two of them on Sky Sports

[Lip]

Welcome to our great club.

[Paul Waine]

Scratch all my mentions of Burnley v Blackburn. I've now gone back through the message board. It was March when we first met JJ Watt and his links to BFC.

UTC

[Chester Perry]

We don’t know the answers to that but why are you concerned ?
Whether it’s indirectly or directly the investment is going to benefit the club in one way or another.

What is it specifically that you are worried about ?

never said I was worried about anything to do with this

[Paul Waine]

which is later than the club said it would be hoping for March 12 2023 - 52 days ago

"...Both the Club and our new auditors are confident this can be resolved swiftly and we hope our submission will be made next month at which point the embargo will be lifted."

the embargo still stands (https://www.efl.com/-more/governance/embargoes/)

as an aside it is now 173 days since BDO were appointed as the new auditors

It's bank holiday w/end, CP. Give the EFL the chance to read and review the accounts. The embargo will be withdrawn very soon.

[Chester Perry]

FSG is not the model for ALK/VSP. Remember, ALK is the managing partner and VSP is the entity where the investing partners invest.

Interesting, however, that JJ Watt and Kealia Watt spoke of being "hands on." Maybe they will be a new investor in ALK and part of the managing partnership.

I would see them being hands on in the brand development - they have a great position by which to work that and it should prove greatly beneficial to the club

[Big Vinny K]

never said I was worried about anything to do with this

Ok that’s fine…..you just seem to be asking whether the investment was going to the club.

[randomclaret2]

Scratch all my mentions of Burnley v Blackburn. I've now gone back through the message board. It was March when we first met JJ Watt and his links to BFC.

UTC

There was lots of coverage of their visit at the time ( Burnley College etc.) and of them attending the Wigan game, including on his own social media

[Chester Perry]

Ok that’s fine…..you just seem to be asking whether the investment was going to the club.

I am asking that question and in what form

[Big Vinny K]

I am asking that question and in what form

Which is why I asked what you were concerned about ?
As said whether it directly or indirectly benefits the club it’s still positive.
Is there a form of investment that concerns you ?

[Chester Perry]

It's bank holiday w/end, CP. Give the EFL the chance to read and review the accounts. The embargo will be withdrawn very soon.

that may well be the case but it still would not mean those initial hopes were met

[CrosspoolClarets]

The fear mongering will return if we don't stay in the Prem. That's the only way our business model can work.

I’d suggest that the business model is fine using the last few years, i.e. an occasional relegation with a positive vibe promotion im ediately following, and ideally a trophy. We’ve probably enhanced the brand in the last 12 months rather than worsened it and the valuation and / or year on year profit or loss is to a degree mitigated by the fire sale, relegation clauses and parachute payments.

Staying down for 3+ years is totally different, I’d accept that.

[agreenwood]

I’m sure some folk have designed key-word alarms, so they don’t miss an opportunity to take over any thread with the merest whiff of finance.

[jedi_master]

Is their involvement in any way linked to the repayment of the MSD loan? I still don’t believe that charge being seemingly expunged has been answered so (as an utter novice on these things) I wondered if it could conceivably be related…somehow?!

Before the link with JJ and his Wife was me first mentioned a few months ago, I confess I’d never heard of him. Research since shows he’s a very highly respected man and he speaks intelligently and passionately on the clubs video. His following is massive and the potential benefits that gives in growing the club in a different market, gaining other investors and (in particular, as far as I can see) the potential to really ramp up the Burnley Women’s team as a product seem to be really positive opportunities for us.

[Big Vinny K]

Is their involvement in any way linked to the repayment of the MSD loan? I still don’t believe that charge being seemingly expunged has been answered so (as an utter novice on these things) I wondered if it could conceivably be related…somehow?!

Before the link with JJ and his Wife was me first mentioned a few months ago, I confess I’d never heard of him. Research since shows he’s a very highly respected man and he speaks intelligently and passionately on the clubs video. His following is massive and the potential benefits that gives in growing the club in a different market, gaining other investors and (in particular, as far as I can see) the potential to really ramp up the Burnley Women’s team as a product seem to be really positive opportunities for us.

Very very unlikely Jedi that the investment would have been anywhere near the levels needed to repay the MSD loan.

[Chester Perry]

Which is why I asked what you were concerned about ?
As said whether it directly or indirectly benefits the club it’s still positive.
Is there a form of investment that concerns you ?

I think most people would prefer it to be a partial loan repayment

though the business logic would be for the monies to be used in say buying a second club or even as a contribution to the final stage payment to the original 7 sellers - a number I estimate as being £21m in total

[Chester Perry]

Is their involvement in any way linked to the repayment of the MSD loan? I still don’t believe that charge being seemingly expunged has been answered so (as an utter novice on these things) I wondered if it could conceivably be related…somehow?!

Before the link with JJ and his Wife was me first mentioned a few months ago, I confess I’d never heard of him. Research since shows he’s a very highly respected man and he speaks intelligently and passionately on the clubs video. His following is massive and the potential benefits that gives in growing the club in a different market, gaining other investors and (in particular, as far as I can see) the potential to really ramp up the Burnley Women’s team as a product seem to be really positive opportunities for us.

This announcement comes 165 days after the MSD loan on TISE was cancelled so probably not

[Big Vinny K]

I think most people would prefer it to be a partial loan repayment

though the business logic would be for the monies to be used in say buying a second club or even as a contribution to the final stage payment to the original 7 sellers - a number I estimate as being £21m in total

Possibly so but is there really any negative scenario or outcome from where the investment goes into the club ?
It’s all good and positive news.

BTW….Most fans I suspect would rather the investment go directly into boosting any transfer spend budget !!

[Chester Perry]

Possibly so but is there really any negative scenario or outcome from where the investment goes into the club ?
It’s all good and positive news.

BTW….Most fans I suspect would rather the investment go directly into boosting any transfer spend budget !!

Which is what a partial loan repayment would provide opportunity for

most fans would also understand the investment case for a buying another club

few will regard meeting part of the final stage payment to the original sellers as 'investment' in the club

[kentonclaret]

Already acknowledged the profile aspect - it is great

it will be interesting to see where the money goes - Mr and Mrs Watt have almost certainly bought a stake in Velocity Sports Partners LLC - their were shareholders in that partnership already - they will have had to give up a proportion of their holding, have they received compensation for that - possibly not,

Is the money going into the club? if so how?.

I do not have your knowledge on the financial aspects CP, but I would find it bizarre indeed if they are pictured holding up Burnley shirts announcing their investment, but unaware that the money is not going to the football club.

[Vegas Claret]

for those that want to watch the interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GX1z6Kn_Wvg

[Chester Perry]

I do not have your knowledge on the financial aspects CP, but I would find it bizarre indeed if they are pictured holding up Burnley shirts announcing their investment, but unaware that the money is not going to the football club.

I am sure they know exactly where their money is going and I am certain they are now part of the club's ownership group - that still does not mean the money is actually going directly into the clubs coffers - though I hope it does

[123EasyasBFC]

We don’t know the ins and outs but already JJ Watt has been move involved than Malcom Jenkins, which makes you think this as more they are investing in the club, where as Jenkins invested into ALK.

It’s all very interesting and positive times from being labelled as ‘brexit fc’ which some people seemed to like having that name

[Big Vinny K]

Which is what a partial loan repayment would provide opportunity for

most fans would also understand the investment case for a buying another club

few will regard meeting part of the final stage payment to the original sellers as 'investment' in the club

Think that’s a bit unfair on our fans CP - most understand that any outside investment which goes towards repaying our contractually obliged commitments means that indirectly we have more money to spend on the team as without the investment we still have to meet our agreed commitments.
Think you are probably over thinking and over complicating this positive news.

[Paul Waine]

Is their involvement in any way linked to the repayment of the MSD loan? I still don’t believe that charge being seemingly expunged has been answered so (as an utter novice on these things) I wondered if it could conceivably be related…somehow?!

Before the link with JJ and his Wife was me first mentioned a few months ago, I confess I’d never heard of him. Research since shows he’s a very highly respected man and he speaks intelligently and passionately on the clubs video. His following is massive and the potential benefits that gives in growing the club in a different market, gaining other investors and (in particular, as far as I can see) the potential to really ramp up the Burnley Women’s team as a product seem to be really positive opportunities for us.

Yes, of course it is. JJ Watt and Kealia Watt are unlikely to be the only new investors. It's possible that others have quietly put their money into Velocity Sports Partnership and we will never learn their names. Investors don't have to be NFL legends as JJ Watt is. They just need to have some money that they want to invest in Soccer in England. Of course, when two high profile sports personalities, JJ and Kealia Watt, become investors there are bigger possibilities and this is why we are seeing all the announcements and all the publicity. As JJ said "Burnley is special."

Yes, I've noted others take an opposite view. Let's see what we learn when the accounts are published in the next few days or so.

[aggi]

Nothing wrong with questioning things or even the odd bit of cynicism CP but when they have already been quoted as saying they have invested in Burnley FC then it’s pretty safe to say the money is going into the club !

All the other questions will be answered in time around how much, nature of investment etc but it’s hard to see this as anything other than a positive move for the club.

It's unlikely to be in Burnley FC I'd have thought. No news of a share issue which minority shareholders would need to be informed of.

[Big Vinny K]

Yes, of course it is. JJ Watt and Kealia Watt are unlikely to be the only new investors. It's possible that others have quietly put their money into Velocity Sports Partnership and we will never learn their names. Investors don't have to be NFL legends as JJ Watt is. They just need to have some money that they want to invest in Soccer in England. Of course, when two high profile sports personalities, JJ and Kealia Watt, become investors there are bigger possibilities and this is why we are seeing all the announcements and all the publicity. As JJ said "Burnley is special."

Yes, I've noted others take an opposite view. Let's see what we learn when the accounts are published in the next few days or so.

Hi Paul W.
I agree that what you are saying may well be the case.
I was specifically referring to the JJ Watt investment by saying that it was very unlikely that would be of the size needed to repay our loan. But of several other investors have also been found alongside this then that may be case.
Guess we’ll all find out soon enough

[Steve-Harpers-perm]

Investors from abroad you can tell really blowing some minds on here!

[Big Vinny K]

It's unlikely to be in Burnley FC I'd have thought. No news of a share issue which minority shareholders would need to be informed of.

JJ Watt seemed to suggest he’d invested in the club.
Either way not really sure it matters as long as it benefits the club in some way or other and it’s hard to see how it doesn’t (is basically what I am saying !!)

[Paul Waine]

It's unlikely to be in Burnley FC I'd have thought. No news of a share issue which minority shareholders would need to be informed of.

Aggi, the shareholders of BFC are Calder Vale, then Kettering above them, then Velocity Jersey then Velocity Sports Partnership US in conjunction with ALK Capital as managing partner. If money flows into Velocity Sports Partnership US it becomes money available to BFC. BFC doesn't need to issue new shares to anyone to access new investment at the parent entity level.

[Chester Perry]

Think that’s a bit unfair on our fans CP - most understand that any outside investment which goes towards repaying our contractually obliged commitments means that indirectly we have more money to spend on the team as without the investment we still have to meet our agreed commitments.
Think you are probably over thinking and over complicating this positive news.

The contractually obliged share purchase commitments of ALK/VSL's takeover are theirs not the clubs

[Paul Waine]

The contractually obliged share purchase commitments of ALK/VSL's takeover are theirs not the clubs

And the club is owned by ALK/VSL - with a few small minority shareholders.

[Big Vinny K]

The contractually obliged commitments of ALK/VSL's takeover are theirs not the clubs

Now now CP - I am one of those who does have a long financial commercial background and you know as well as I do that you cannot separate the interests of Burnley FC from the corporate ownership structure because of a few pieces of paper !!

[Chester Perry]

JJ Watt seemed to suggest he’d invested in the club.
Either way not really sure it matters as long as it benefits the club in some way or other and it’s hard to see how it doesn’t (is basically what I am saying !!)

by investing in Velocity Sports Partners LLC he will have - we know of no other significant asset that partnership controls

[Big Vinny K]

by investing in Velocity Sports Partners LLC he will have - we know of no other significant asset that partnership controls

And your point is ?

[Chester Perry]

Now now CP - I am one of those who does have a long financial commercial background and you know as well as I do that you cannot separate the interests of Burnley FC from the corporate ownership structure because of a few pieces of paper !!

Hmm

CVHL have had to borrow money from the club to pay for its shareholding in it - they would have greatly preferred a straight payment for the shares but that would be illegal

yes it is paper at the end of the day but one that carries impact if VSL were to sell up

and I fully acknowledge your years of actual qualification and experience over my seriously amateur status

[Chester Perry]

And the club is owned by ALK/VSL - with a few small minority shareholders.

several hundred minority shareholders - who still have rights as official members of the company, a number of which have been wantonly ignored by the club and its senior personnel since the takeover.

I know you do not regard that as an issue Paul, but it is undeniable that others do.

[Jacko]

Man who previously claimed he supported Chelsea invests as seemingly "something to do" as he's bored. Great, let's position ourselves as a plaything for millionaires. Not for me, thanks.

[Vegas Claret]

it's huge for us, even Peacock (NBC) who are the Premier League broadcasters over here in the USA have commented on the official Burnley Football Club tweet

[Chester Perry]

Man who previously claimed he supported Chelsea invests as seemingly "something to do" as he's bored. Great, let's position ourselves as a plaything for millionaires. Not for me, thanks.

Watt is not the only Chelsea fan in the ownership group I understand