Burnley secure $200m investment from U.S. investor Dave Checketts

Burnley FC’s ownership group, ALK Capital, has received a $200 million investment from Checketts Sports Capital, led by veteran U.S. sports executive David Checketts, in a deal that strengthens the Premier League club’s financial position and expands its multi-club ambitions.

The investment sees Checketts Sports Capital acquire a stake in ALK Capital’s football operations, which include Burnley FC and Spanish side RCD Espanyol.

The move reunites Checketts and ALK managing partner Alan Pace, nearly two decades after the pair’s successful partnership at Real Salt Lake, where they guided the MLS club to its first championship.

The deal marks the first investment from Cynosure | Checketts Sports Capital Fund I, a newly launched $1.2 billion private equity fund targeting investments across professional teams, leagues, media, and sports technology.

“Alan and I have known each other for decades, as partners, colleagues, and friends. We built Real Salt Lake from the ground up, and now we can collaborate again on two of Europe’s most historic clubs,” said Checketts.

Pace added: “We share the same vision for great sports ownership, combining integrity, innovation, long-term value creation, and a championship culture.”

The partnership bolsters ALK’s position as a multi-club operator in Europe and expands Checketts’ involvement with Burnley, where he has served on the board since ALK’s 2020 takeover. The collaboration will focus on sustainable growth, commercial expansion, and performance improvement across both Burnley and Espanyol.

The deal underscores the growing influence of U.S. private capital in European football, with nearly half of Premier League clubs now owned or backed by American investors, including recent moves such as Woody Johnson’s investment in Crystal Palace.