Dude Perfect is the latest creator group to grab a stake in English soccer. The Texas-based collective known for improbable trick shorts and sports-themed comedy has become a minority owner of Premier League club Burnley F.C.
The partnership between Dude Perfect and Burnley began earlier this year, when the YouTube stars signed on as official shirt sponsors for Burnley’s junior and academy teams. As the Lancashire-based club prepared to open the 2023-24 Prem season against reigning league champions Manchester City, Dude Perfect donned claret-and-blue outfits and took their support to the next level. By investing in Burnley, they are following in the footsteps of former NFL star J.J. Watt, who also owns a minority stake in the club.
Burnley is returning to the Premier League this season after spending one year in the second-tier Championship. By teaming up with Dude Perfect, who reach nearly 60 million subscribers on their namesake YouTube channel, the 141-year-old club is looking to attract a new generation of fans.
“The guys have shown a huge interest and passion in the club, its history, and our community,” said Burnley F.C. Chairman Alan Pace in a statement. “I’m excited by the opportunities that this partnership will bring as we continue to attract new fans and showcase the Burnley brand to a global audience.”
As the ink dried on their new investment, the Dude Perfect guys traveled to Burnley’s Turf Moor stadium to support the underdogs in their match against Man City. “If you’re already diehard, we would love for Burnley to be your second-favorite team,” Dude Perfect member Cory Cotton said in a video interview, “and if you’re just getting into soccer, we would love for Burnley to be the team that you pull for.”
As the growing creator economy turns video stars into investors, some of them are eyeing the lucrative Premier League, which is far and away the richest soccer league in the world. Beverage brand Prime, founded by KSI and Logan Paul, has developed an official relationship with storied club Arsenal F.C. Further down the English football ladder, the Sidemen have secured a shirt sponsorship for their fried chicken business.
Dude Perfect’s investment in Burnley may bring more American fans to Turf Moor, but at the time of this post, the claret-and-blue club was two goals behind Man City at halftime. Perhaps they should try adding some trick shots to their offensive sets.
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