John McEvoy’s Sheffield Wednesday Takeover: Who He Is and How He Made His Billions

John McEvoy’s Sheffield Wednesday Takeover: Who He Is and How He Made His Billions

Bottom of the league, one win, administration and a 12-point deduction - but they are finally free. Sheffield Wednesday’s controversial 10-year owner Dejphon Chansiri has officially departed the club to every Wednesdayites' relief, as the Championship outfit can look forward to a positive atmosphere around Hillsborough.

Whilst the club is yet to have been bought, there have reportedly been several monumental bids and rumours of who may be steering the ship soon.

One prominent candidate is US billionaire John McEvoy, who has allegedly eyed up a potential takeover of the South Yorkshire side. As someone with a grand portfolio in sports investments, the Owls may just be in for a treat should that wish come true.

US billionaire John McEvoy is a leading candidate to buy Sheffield Wednesday.

McEvoy has reportedly consulted Reverend and the Maker lead singer Jon McClure with the band sitting in his vast investment portfolio through talent management.

(Via: @Tom_Morgs and @JBurtTelegraph) pic.twitter.com/doda27Ky0u

— Second Tier podcast (@secondtierpod) October 28, 2025

Who is John McEvoy?

John McEvoy’s career fortunes originated from mobile technology, as he is the founder of a San Diego-based distribution company. Whilst his original expertise had no real relation to the sporting world - football in particular - the billionaire has earned that merit on the side.

McEvoy has had several ventures in sport. He is a minority stakeholder in Major League Baseball side Colorado Rockies, as well as the Nashville Predators in the NHL.

Once again, neither of these are football teams, however owning a sports team altogether is something very unique in the business world and it at least gives the prospect experience in that field.

Furthermore, the businessman also has a minority stake in the talent agency Various Artists, where his musical portfolio ironically includes a Sheffield-based band Reverend and the Makers. The band’s lead singer Jon McClure is a lifelong Sheffield Wednesday fan and is said to have been consulted by McEvoy about this potential acquisition.

What are the Rumours?

So far, there has been no concrete information to suggest John McEvoy will be the next Sheffield Wednesday owner, but he could very much be in contention.

One of the joint administrators at the club, Kris Wigfield, recently confirmed that there are four or five interested parties that “look the real deal.” Wigfield said to acquire the club, all these parties need to do is pass two criteria.

This being that they have sufficient funds to run the club and that they can pass the EFL’s ‘fit-and-proper-persons test.’ After that, it will be whoever makes the best offer for the club.

“You let this happen to Bury and Bolton, you’ve allowed it to happen to Wigan!”

“The need to change the direction of travel in the Football League is critical.”

“Their failure to understand what a fit and proper persons test should be.”@SJOpinion10 says EFL must change! pic.twitter.com/auu4NBbAmV

— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) July 6, 2020

With McEvoy’s track record in sport and reported wealthy pockets, it is likely he will pass through this criteria should he want to buy the club. If so, Sheffield Wednesday could be heading into a fresh era, with someone who has a sporting background and has previously advocated his interest for English football.

It was also once rumoured that the American businessman once tried to add fellow Championship outfit Coventry City to his roster.

Who Else is in the Mix?

Alongside McEvoy, there are a few other prominent names to have been thrown into the rumours for ownership. So far, Mike Ashley and John Textor have been the biggest names to have cropped up in discussions.

Ashley has of course had plenty of experience in this industry, having owned Newcastle United for 14 years. However, by the end of his time at the club, the majority of Magpies wanted him out, in similar fashion to Chansiri. Therefore, Newcastle’s word of warning would be to steer clear.

Textor is also a man whose more than used to this field. He’s a businessman who has delved into multi-club ownership, with both Crystal Palace and Lyon on his roster.

However, despite Palace’s recent successes, Textor has been whispered to sell the club for some time now, with prior narratives of him having potentially eyed up Everton and Wolves in the past.

🚨 John Textor has made an offer to buy #Wolves — $200M in cash and $350M in shares. #WWFC

It’s expected this offer may be rejected though as it’s thought Fosun wouldn’t be interested in Textor’s Eagle shares and only wants to sell a minority stake.

Textor’s bid for Wolves was… pic.twitter.com/2ecSrBhiAJ

— Talking Wolves (@TalkingWolves) October 27, 2025

Moreover, he’s not exactly in the South London side’s good books at the moment, after Crystal Palace dropped from the Europa League to the Conference League ahead of this season through strict multi-club ownership rules, as their French counterparts had also qualified for the Europa League.

What Next for Wednesday?

Whichever one takes control of Sheffield Wednesday, they’d each share the same goal - safety.

The club is now on its knees in the Championship, destined for relegation with a hefty points deduction. Whilst its still early days, there aren’t many teams who have stayed up with such a heavy punishment.

The Owls are now officially 16 points from safety, which would take a miracle to overcome, especially considering they occupied bottom spot prior to the deduction.

However, they now have nothing to lose to try their absolute best in the second tier and if it doesn’t work out, there’s no doubt they’ll be one of the favourites to be promoted from League One again.

As for the club, it feels united again. Hundreds of supporters ran straight to the club shop after Chansiri’s departure, buying merchandise to help fund the club’s rejuvenation.

Positive spirit is all you can ask for in a time so bleak.