Following a disappointing season that ended in relegation from the Championship, Plymouth Argyle are now in discussions with a US private equity group for a full takeover. Leading the charge is Gareth Bale, who retired from football in 2023 and has mostly remained behind the scenes, aside from brief punditry appearances.
The surprise involvement of Bale has caught many off guard. Though the investment group includes members of the US-based Storch family, it’s Bale—at just 35—who is fronting the effort. The former Real Madrid and Tottenham icon may soon add football club ownership to his list of achievements.
Plymouth’s previous season was turbulent, marred early by a poor run under Wayne Rooney. Although results picked up after Rooney’s dismissal on New Year’s Eve, the turnaround wasn’t enough to secure their Championship status. However, the club made headlines by knocking Liverpool out of the FA Cup before their ultimate relegation.
In preparation for the upcoming League One campaign, the club has brought in Tom Cleverley as their new head coach. The former Manchester United and England midfielder has signed a three-year deal, adding another familiar name to the dugout.
Bale is just one of several former sporting greats entering EFL club ownership. Luka Modric, another Real Madrid alum, recently purchased a minority stake in Swansea City. Meanwhile, NFL legend Tom Brady is involved with Birmingham City, and golfers Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas are part of the ownership at Leeds United.
Bale’s journey in football began at Southampton before he made his mark at Tottenham, becoming one of the Premier League’s most feared forwards. His record-breaking move to Real Madrid in 2013 saw him win numerous titles, including five Champions League trophies. He ended his career after a brief spell with LAFC and captaining Wales at the 2022 World Cup.
Now, with a potential new chapter in club ownership, Gareth Bale might be stepping back into the football spotlight—this time from the boardroom.