Buy a Piece of A Soccer Club Update

In May, I reported on a crowd sourcing project in the UK where a group was attempting to purchase a soccer club with 50,000 people putting up 70 pounds each. The group, MyFootballClub, has reached its goal of 50,000 members and if all of them follow through on their financial commitment, then the funds will be available to purchase a club. The group has identified four clubs and is in negotiations with all of four of them, the identities of which are not now being revealed. In addition to the over 50,000 members, the club has picked up EA Sports as a corporate sponsor. No word yet on the amount or terms of its commitment.

So, sports fans, it looks like this experiment in crowd management of a soccer club is about to become a reality. It will be a fascinating experiment not only as the living embodiment of every fantasy player's dream but as a living, breathing experiment in crowd sourcing. While the 50,000 members won't be making on field strategy decision, they will be making decisions about which club to purchase, who should manage it and which players to pursue in the transfer market. It should be great fun for all involved and for all of us to watch.