Ed Sheeran buys stake in promoted Ipswich Town

Lifelong Ipswich Town fan Ed Sheeran has bought a small stake in the club ahead of their return to the Premier League.

Ipswich said Thursday that the British musician has acquired a 1.4 percent ownership stake, but will be a passive investor and not part of the club's board of directors. The club did not disclose the value of the deal.

Sheeran is the club's most famous supporter and has been Ipswich's shirt sponsor since 2021. His new status as a minority owner will also grant him access to an executive box at Portman Road stadium, the club said.

"I am really excited to have bought a small percentage of my hometown football club," Sheeran said in a club statement. "It's any football fan's dream to be an owner of the club they support, and I feel so grateful for this opportunity."

Ipswich is back in the Premier League for the first time since 2002 and opens their season at home against Liverpool on Saturday.