JJ Watt Expands European Football Reach With Espanyol Takeover

NFL legend JJ Watt has made headlines by expanding his European football portfolio through the addition of La Liga club Espanyol. Following the successful completion of Velocity Sport Limited’s acquisition, Espanyol—Barcelona’s fierce city rivals—now joins Burnley in the Premier League under the group’s ownership, with Watt playing a significant minority investor role.

JJ Watt’s Growing Influence in European Football

JJ Watt’s entry into the world of European football began in 2023 when he became a minority stakeholder at Burnley. The recent Espanyol takeover, finalized on Thursday, marks another bold step in Watt’s commitment to the sport and highlights Velocity Sport Limited’s ambition to build a cross-continent football presence. After the deal was announced, Watt shared his excitement via a message on X (formerly Twitter), immediately connecting with Espanyol’s loyal fanbase.

Espanyol: A New Era Under JJ Watt and Velocity Sport Limited

Espanyol, a storied club with a rich history in Spanish football, now embarks on a promising new chapter. With the backing of Velocity Sport Limited and the high-profile involvement of JJ Watt, expectations are rising among supporters. The club, known for their fierce rivalry with FC Barcelona, will be looking to leverage Watt’s leadership and the group’s resources to challenge for promotion and reestablish themselves as a La Liga mainstay.

Watt’s Vision for Espanyol’s Future

Watt’s reputation for leadership, passion, and a winning mentality—honed over years in the NFL—are qualities he brings to Espanyol. In his first public statement after the takeover, Watt emphasized a commitment to building sustainable success and fostering deeper engagement between the club and its supporters. The intention is clear: revive Espanyol’s fortunes and build upon a proud tradition.

Espanyol and Burnley: Building Synergy in the Football World

Both Espanyol and Burnley now benefit from being part of the same ownership group, creating opportunities for resource sharing, talent development, and international branding. Burnley, where Watt is already a familiar face, has shown resilience in the Premier League. Now, with Espanyol on board, Velocity Sport Limited is positioning itself as a key player in multi-club ownership—a growing trend in global football.

The Fan Reaction and What’s Next

Espanyol supporters have welcomed the takeover with cautious optimism, excited by the prospect of fresh investment and international expertise. Meanwhile, Watt’s passion for football and his hands-on approach have already earned him respect among Burnley fans, suggesting a similar rapport could develop in Barcelona.

Espanyol’s fixture list remains challenging, with a key La Liga match against Real Oviedo approaching. Under new ownership, the club will be hoping to show immediate signs of progress, both on and off the pitch.

Opinion: Watt’s Espanyol Move Boosts La Liga’s Global Profile

JJ Watt’s involvement in European football—now spanning both Burnley and Espanyol—underscores the growing international appeal of La Liga and the multi-club model. His presence brings fresh attention and resources to a historic Spanish club, raising optimism for a bright future. If Velocity Sport Limited can combine Watt’s leadership with smart investment, Espanyol could soon return to the upper echelons of Spanish football. For more news, visit for more news.