In light of rumors that the American billionaire has set Derby County as a target for a takeover, FLW examines how John Textor amassed his fortune.
According to journalist Alan Nixon via his Patreon, the former Crystal Palace shareholder is reportedly prepared to make a formal approach for the Rams after previously considering Sheffield Wednesday.
Derby is reputedly worth £60 million, and Textor has the option to purchase a full or minority interest in the team.
David Clowes, Derby’s current owner, saved the team from bankruptcy in 2022 and has previously stated that he would be open to selling up to 80% of the team to outside investors.
How did Textor earn all of his money, considering that his multi-club ownership model, Eagle Football Holdings, comprises teams like French team Lyon and Brazilian team Botafogo?
How John Textor’s wealth came to be
From 2006 to 2012, Textor was the CEO and co-chairman of Digital Domain, which is where his initial financial success originated.
During his time at the Hollywood visual effects studio, Textor led the company to its highest valuation of $450 million on the New York Stock Exchange.
According to the experience page on Textor’s own website, the firm won many Academy Awards, doubled its sales in just three years, and established itself as a global leader in visual effects.
Through his private equity firm Wyndcrest Holdings, Textor’s wealth increased by an estimated $500 million beyond Digital Domain.
John Textor made a lot of money with the FuboTV streaming service.
If the previously stated numbers weren’t enough, Textor also gained a significant amount of money by using the streaming service fuboTV, which is mostly available in North America but not in the UK, to watch various sports.
Textor is said to have made over $250 million in shares and long-term value by supporting Facebank Group, which later merged with fuboTV.
Without accounting for his prior football investment, his total revenues from all of the aforementioned sources have been estimated to be above $900 million.
John Textor’s earnings from selling his Crystal Palace share
Textor has invested in a global portfolio of clubs that span several countries and competitive levels through his previously mentioned holding firm, Eagle Football Holdings.
Under Textor’s ownership, Botafogo has won the league and Copa Libertadores, and his largest asset is still his controlling investment in the team.
In addition to Lyon’s consistent participation in European competitions, Textor also owns the Belgian team RWDM Brussells and FC Florida, an academy in Florida. The American reportedly made £190 million when he sold his Crystal Palace interest earlier this year.
Fans of Derby County can infer from this that Textor is far wealthier than Clowes, but everyone associated with the team is aware that Mel Morris makes this not always a good thing.
Shaun Woodward, a FLW Derby Fan Pundit, thinks Clowes would be the best choice for the team in this possible takeover scenario.
Regardless of how much money he has made, it is still unclear if Textor is the perfect fit because any outside investor would almost certainly need to exhibit a similar long-term vision and dedication at Pride Park as Clowes has.
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