Mike Ashley is among the names linked with a Sheffield Wednesday takeover, and he has a lot of capital to potentially pump into the club.
Mike Ashley has registered his interest in a Sheffield Wednesday takeover, with the former Newcastle United owner rivalling names like John Textor and John McEvoy among others.
It’s understood that Sheffield Wednesday have at least 40 realistic potential buyers though the administrator, Kris Wigfield, is expected to reduce that number to more manager 10.
Wigfield is hoping to name a preferred bidder by December 5th and it could well be Ashley who has already given proof of funds to push forwards on a takeover.
Image courtesy of: DARREN STAPLES/REUTERS.
And his rumoured net worth will make for pleasant reading for SWFC fans who simply want an owner with guaranteed income after Dejphon Chansiri placed the club into administration.
Mike Ashley’s net worth amid Sheffield Wednesday takeover rumours
For much of the 21st Century, Ashley has been one of Britain’s richest businessman. And he remains so to this day with Forbes estimating his net worth to be a staggering £3.49billion in 2024. But that figure dropped slightly for 2025.
The 2025 Sunday Times Rich List has Ashley down to a net worth of £3.12billion, moving from the 49th richest person in the UK. Nonetheless, it’s still a huge mark up from the last time Forbes estimated Chansiri’s net worth in 2020, which came in at £437million.
For Sheffield Wednesday fans, news of Ashley’s net worth will be very exciting to hear. It should suggest that the club would certainly be financially stable under his watch which is all they want after the instability of Chansiri’s reign.
How does Mike Ashley makes his money?
Ashley is a versatile businessman who makes the bulk of his fortunes trough his Fraser Group. They famously own High Street names like Sports Direct, House of Fraser, GAME and more, as well as having investments in other brands.
Fraser Group has over 1,500 stores around the world and has invested in clothing retailers such as ASON, BooHoo and Hugo Boss, whilst also owning the line of Everlast Gyms. Fraser Group also owns brand names such as Slazenger, Everlast and Karrimor.
Why was Mike Ashley so controversial at Newcastle United?
Many football fans will remember Ashley’s contested reign at Newcastle United. He was owner between 2007 and 2021 and whilst the club never experienced a period of financial instability, there was certainly instability on the pitch.
Imagee courtesy of: PAUL CHILDS/REUTERS.
A main criticism of Ashley’s was his prioritisation of profit over investment in the squad, and apparent ambition, with Newcastle often selling their key players and never properly replacing them.
Newcastle United were also known for hiring and firing managers and Ashley poaching Steve Bruce from Sheffield Wednesday in 2019, in a move that sparked protests on the streets of Newcastle over Ashley’s reign at the club.
SWFC are back in action against Steel City rivals Sheffield United this weekend and we may yet have more news on a potential Ashley takeover before then.