Here is why did J.J. Watt and Kealia join the Burnley ownership group, have a look at the new owners net worth
The most recent celebrity sports ownership partnership is bringing the worlds of American and European football together.
JJ Watt and Kealia Burnley FC ownership structure explained and what is the net worth of the new minority owners
On Monday morning, J.J. Watt said on Twitter that he was, sort of, leaving retirement behind. Together with his wife Kealia, a star in the NWSL, the ex-NFL player is investing in Burnley, an English football team that was just promoted to the Premier League. At the same time, Kaelia wishes to grow the Burnley FC women’s team.
Here is all you need to know about the Watt family’s huge investment, have a look, below:
Good morning Burnley!
Tonight it begins.
See you on The Turf.Up The Clarets!!!@BurnleyOfficial pic.twitter.com/tOoPfuR7bn
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) August 11, 2023
Why did Kealia and J.J. Watt invest in Burnley?
Despite having only been retired for four months, J.J. claimed in a video with his wife that he “really needs something to do.” He said, “I just love football,” as the video switched to an NFL clip. He continued by pulling out a pointer. “No, no. Not that kind. You see, over in these islands here, they play football with their feet. Like her,” he gave a sign to his wife.
He was asked if he wants to follow in the footsteps of Ryan Reynolds, who in 2020 teamed up with Rob McElhenney to purchase the Welsh football team Wrexham.
Kealia appeared eager for the comment. Meanwhile J.J started:
We don’t have ‘buy an entire European football club’ kind of money. We’re more along the lines of minority investment but massive emotional investment.”
Incredibly excited to be joining the @BurnleyOfficial ownership group (and for JJ to have something to do 😂😂) UP THE CLARETS!!! pic.twitter.com/DRIMxPo6oX
— Kealia Ohai Watt (@KealiaOhai) May 1, 2023
For almost 150 years, the club has been in existence. The Rugby Club Burnley Rovers changed their primary sport in 1882, and they then became the Burnley F.C. Clarets. One of the first professional teams in 1883, they pushed the Football Association to allow player payment.
In the franchise’s press statement, Kealia said:
In the US, I’ve seen the NWSL grow into something really incredible, and we’d love to be a part of growing the women’s team here and be a part of their journey.”
What is J.J. Watt’s net worth?
Watts’ overall net worth is estimated by insiders to be $51 million. J.J. has made a major contribution to that with his career NFL earnings and endorsement contracts.
A look at J.J Watt’s career and earnings
Following the 2022 season, Watt, 34, declared his retirement from the Arizona Cardinals and the sport of American football. The Wisconsin alumnus entered the NFL at No. 11 overall in 2011 and played for 12 seasons. Before moving to the desert, he spent nine years playing defensive line for the Texans. He was named the 2017 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, the Defensive Player of the Year three times, and he set an NFL record by recording two seasons with 20 or more sacks.
According to Spotrac, J.J. made roughly $129.75 million over the course of his long career, including $29 million with the Cardinals and $100.75 million with the Texans. In his fifth season with Houston, when he made a staggering $19.97 million, he had his highest-earning year.
Who is Kealia Watt?
Kealia, a 31-year-old free agent, last competed with the Chicago Red Stars in 2021, when she scored five goals. For the birth of their baby Koa on October 23, she remained absent for the entire 2022 campaign.
Keallia Watt’s net worth ans career earnings
Kealia Watt’s net worth is unknown, however Insider claimed that she received a $100,000 salary in exchange for joining the USWNT. And as was already mentioned, the couple’s total net worth is $51 million.
For her first five years, she received a maximum annual pay of $37,800, according to Insider. She was paid $50,000 following her transfer, in accordance with new NWSL payroll rules aimed at bringing women’s salaries into line with men’s.