Arsenal new ownership

Arsenal Football Club has had several changes in ownership throughout its history. Here are the key developments:

  1. Woolwich Arsenal (1886-1913): The club was founded by Woolwich Arsenal, a British armaments manufacturer, and was initially owned by the company.
  2. Henry Norris (1913-1929): In 1913, Henry Norris, a British businessman, bought the club and became its chairman. He played a crucial role in the club's move to Highbury in 1913.
  3. Sir Bracewell Smith (1929-1936): After Norris's death, Sir Bracewell Smith, a British businessman, took over as chairman. He oversaw the club's first major trophy win, the FA Cup in 1930.
  4. Sir Robert Robinson (1936-1952): Robinson, a British businessman, became chairman in 1936 and led the club through World War II.
  5. Sir Hugh McIlvanney (1952-1962): McIlvanney, a Scottish businessman, took over as chairman in 1952 and oversaw the club's move to the First Division in 1962.
  6. Bernie Ecclestone (1962-1964): Ecclestone, a British businessman and former Formula One boss, briefly owned the club in the early 1960s.
  7. Samuel Knight (1964-1967): Knight, a British businessman, became chairman in 1964 and led the club to its first European trophy, the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, in 1967.
  8. Peter Hill-Wood (1967-1992): Hill-Wood, a British businessman, took over as chairman in 1967 and oversaw the club's most successful period, including the 1989 FA Cup win.
  9. Sir Peter Davis (1992-1996): Davis, a British businessman, became chairman in 1992 and led the club through a period of financial difficulties.
  10. David Dein (1996-2007): Dein, a British businessman and former Arsenal player, became vice-chairman in 1996 and played a key role in the club's success under Arsène Wenger.
  11. Stan Kroenke (2007-present): Kroenke, an American businessman, bought a majority stake in the club in 2007 and became its chairman. He has been involved in several controversies, including a failed takeover bid by Alisher Usmanov in 2018.

In 2020, Kroenke's son, Josh Kroenke, took over as the club's chairman, with Stan Kroenke remaining as the majority shareholder.

In recent years, there have been rumors of potential new ownership groups interested in buying Arsenal, including a bid from a consortium led by former player Thierry Henry. However, no official bid has been made or accepted by the club.