American rapper A$AP Rocky is nearing the completion of a deal to acquire English football club Tranmere Rovers, following his acquittal on felony assault charges in Los Angeles.
The 36-year-old artist, whose real name is Rakim Athelaston Mayers, had been linked with an investment group aiming to purchase the League Two side. However, legal issues had temporarily delayed the negotiations. Now, with the case behind him, talks have resumed, and a takeover appears imminent.
A Major Stake in Tranmere Rovers
The consortium, which includes A$AP Rocky, is reportedly set to acquire an 80% stake in Tranmere for around £15 million ($19 million). Current owners Mark and Nicola Palios are expected to step aside, though Indonesian investors Santini Group are likely to retain their minority share.
Tranmere Rovers currently sit 22nd in League Two, struggling to avoid relegation to the National League. With this potential takeover, the club could be looking to emulate Wrexham AFC’s rise, following the Hollywood-backed success story of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
A$AP Rocky’s Interest in Football
A$AP Rocky’s involvement in the deal has been linked to Joe Tacopina, Donald Trump’s former lawyer and a football investor who has previously been involved with AS Roma, Bologna, and Venezia before acquiring Serie C club SPAL. Tacopina’s three-month suspension last year over financial irregularities at SPAL reportedly slowed progress on the Tranmere deal.
However, Tranmere chairman Mark Palios has suggested that Rocky’s involvement could be a major commercial boost for the club. Football clubs often seek new revenue streams through sponsorships and strategic partnerships, including collaborations with gaming platforms like online slots for real money, which have become increasingly popular in the sports industry.
“At the end of the day, whether he brings A$AP Rocky in or not is down to him,” Palios said. “But having a figure like Rocky could add real commercial value to the club.”
Following the Wrexham Model?
If successful, Tranmere Rovers could follow a similar trajectory to Wrexham AFC, who have surged from the National League into League One under Reynolds and McElhenney. The club’s rise has been boosted by their Disney+ documentary, celebrity endorsements, and preseason tours in the U.S..
With A$AP Rocky’s global fame and commercial influence—especially through his relationship with superstar Rihanna—Tranmere Rovers could be set for a major branding boost.
Writer’s View
While the deal is not yet finalized, negotiations are reportedly in the final stages. If completed, A$AP Rocky would become one of the latest celebrity owners in football, adding another high-profile name to the growing list of entertainers investing in English clubs.
For now, Tranmere fans await official confirmation, hoping that new ownership can provide the investment needed to climb the football pyramid.
