Welsh Football: Red Dragons Den – American sales pitch for Welsh clubs

Welsh football chiefs are heading to the USA in a Dragons Den-style bid to attract investors into Wales’ top flight.

There is a belief that Cymru Premier clubs could benefit from the ‘Wrexham Effect’ as they look to make the most of the trend of American ownership in British football.

Football Association of Wales (FAW) officials are attending a global football business conference in Miami this week aiming to boost interest in local clubs.

The plan is to use the Soccerex event to showcase ongoing plans to grow Cymru Premier, including a recent £6m cash injection from the governing body.

But officials will also try to highlight the potential for external investment directly into the clubs.

Both the Premier League and English Football League have seen an increase in American ownership stakes in recent years, with Ryan Reynolds and Rob McIlhenny’s majority stake in Wrexham Championship arguably the most famous of the lot.

Officials believe Welsh clubs outside the English system could also be an attractive proposition, especially with the potential to qualify for European football at a fraction of the cost.

The plan is then to alert clubs to any potential interest, perhaps paving the way for outside investment.