Pop icon Ed Sheeran has officially acquired a 1.4% stake in Ipswich Town, the football club that has just been promoted to the Premier League after a 22-year absence.

Ed Sheeran, the globally renowned pop star, has officially become a part-owner of Ipswich Town Football Club. This move not only marks a significant milestone in Sheeran’s career but also opens a new chapter for his hometown football club.

Sheeran, who was born and raised in Suffolk, has long been a devoted fan of Ipswich Town. His love for the team goes beyond cheering from the stands. Since 2021, Sheeran has been sponsoring the jerseys for both the men’s and women’s teams, with his “Mathematics” tour logo appearing on the club’s shirts.

Now, with his purchase of a 1.4% stake in the club, Sheeran has taken his passion to a new level. While this investment is considered “passive” and does not come with voting rights or a position on the board, it is expected to bring significant benefits to both Sheeran and Ipswich Town.

For Sheeran, this is the realization of a football fan’s dream. He shared: “I am genuinely thrilled to have bought a small part of my hometown football club. Becoming an owner of the club you support is a dream for any football fan, and I feel very grateful for this opportunity.”

Sheeran also emphasized that he has no intention of interfering in the club’s football decisions: “I am not a voting shareholder or a board member; this is just me investing some money into the club I love, and they responded with this gesture, so please don’t ask me about transfer deals or game tactics!”

For Ipswich Town, Sheeran’s involvement brings not only new financial resources but also a boost in media and marketing exposure. Chairman and CEO Mark Ashton couldn’t hide his delight, stating: “This is an incredibly proud day for the club. The support Ed and his team have given us over the past three years has been truly amazing.”

The timing of this deal is also noteworthy. Ipswich Town has just earned promotion to the Premier League after 22 years, under the astute management of coach Kieran McKenna. The return of “The Tractor Boys” to England’s top tier, combined with the involvement of a global music star like Sheeran, promises to make the upcoming season exciting.

While the exact value of the deal has not been disclosed, based on a recent transaction where a US private equity firm acquired 44% of the club for around £105 million, Sheeran’s stake is estimated to be worth over £2 million.

Sheeran’s involvement with Ipswich Town goes beyond just buying shares. He has actively supported the team throughout their promotion process, even hosting a concert and private party to celebrate the team’s success. Most recently, Sheeran has been involved in designing the team’s third kit for the 2024/25 season.