Focus on the USA: Expanding Sports Empire
The City Football Group, known for its association with Manchester City, has gained significant recognition in the world of football. However, it is not the only sporting entity making waves in the industry. Arsenal, one of Manchester City’s rivals in the Premier League, boasts its own extensive and global sporting empire that spans beyond just football.
American businessman Stan Kroenke, the owner of Arsenal, has built a sports empire that encompasses teams in various major American sports leagues. Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE), his holding company, acquired a stake in the NFL team “St. Louis Rams” in 1995. After buying out the Rams completely in 2010, KSE made a bold move in 2015 by relocating the franchise back to Los Angeles. This decision proved to be immensely profitable, as the team’s value doubled, placing them among the top three NFL teams.
Kroenke’s sporting achievements extend beyond American football. In 2000, KSE acquired two sports clubs in Colorado: the basketball team Denver Nuggets and the hockey team Colorado Avalanche. Under Kroenke’s ownership, both teams have achieved notable success. The Denver Nuggets became NBA champions for the first time in their history in 2023, while the Colorado Avalanche won two out of three Stanley Cups under Kroenke’s ownership.
Aside from these teams, KSE also owns the MLS team Colorado Rapids, which won the MLS Cup in 2010, further demonstrating Kroenke’s influence in the world of football.
While KSE does not have a presence in Major League Baseball (MLB), it compensates for this by owning the Colorado Mammoth team in the National Lacrosse League (NLL). The Colorado Mammoth has achieved significant success, winning championships twice and consistently performing well in the league.
Kroenke’s sporting empire goes beyond traditional sports. KSE owns the Los Angeles Gladiators, a team that competes in the esports arena, specifically in Call of Duty. The team won the Major in 2022, showcasing Kroenke’s diversification into new and emerging sports markets.
Furthermore, KSE acquired the company responsible for developing Skycam in 2013. Skycam, the technology on which Spidercam is based, has revolutionized filming and replays in sports like football, rugby, and tennis.
Retirement of Aaron Donald: A Legendary Career
Within the vast array of athletes associated with KSE clubs, one individual stands out as the main star. Aaron Donald, a defensive tackle for the St. Louis Rams, now retired, has left an indelible mark on the franchise and American football as a whole.
Donald was drafted by the Rams in 2014 and played a pivotal role in the team’s journey, which included relocation to another city and a Super Bowl appearance. He announced his retirement in March 2024, leaving behind a legacy of breaking defensive records and earning the title of the greatest player in franchise history.
Donald’s decision to retire early, with a year left on his contract worth millions of dollars, speaks to his burnout and desire to end his career on his own terms. This retirement marks the end of an era for the Rams and serves as a reminder of Donald’s unparalleled contributions to the sport.
In conclusion, while the City Football Group garners attention for its association with Manchester City, Arsenal’s sporting empire under the ownership of Stan Kroenke is equally impressive. KSE’s presence in American sports leagues, its success in various sports teams, and its diversification into esports and sports technology demonstrate Kroenke’s visionary approach to sports ownership. Additionally, Aaron Donald’s retirement adds further significance to KSE’s legacy, solidifying his status as one of the greatest players in American football history.