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Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd has joined the ownership group of the English Premier League club Everton FC, representing a significant increase in American influence at the club’s leadership level.
Kidd, a former Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame point guard, has partnered with Roundhouse Capital Holdings, the entity that acquired the club as part of The Friedkin Group.
Under the direction of chairman and CEO Dan Friedkin, The Friedkin Group completed the acquisition of Everton in December 2024 by purchasing the majority stake held by Farhad Moshiri, ultimately securing a 99.5% interest in the club through Roundhouse Capital Holdings.
This transition signifies a new chapter for the historic club, which has been consistently present in the top division of English football since the Premier League’s inception, alongside just five other teams.
“I’m honoured to be joining Everton’s ownership at such an important moment,” Kidd expressed. “With a new stadium on the horizon and a bright future ahead, it’s a great moment to come on board.”
Indeed, as Kidd mentions, the club is preparing to move into a new waterfront stadium for the 2025/26 season. Located along the River Mersey, this facility stands out as one of the few achievements from the club’s prior management, despite the nostalgia and history associated with its current home, Goodison Park.
As Everton aims for improved financial stability, the new stadium is expected to generate additional revenue and propel the club into a revitalized era.
Kidd’s entry into the ownership group is anticipated to bolster Everton’s profile in the United States. “On behalf of The Friedkin Group and the Everton Board of Directors, I am pleased to welcome Jason to our ownership group,” remarked Roundhouse Capital Holdings director and Everton executive chairman, Marc Watts.
“As one of the NBA’s greatest players and now a successful coach, his knowledge and winning mentality will be an incredible resource for Everton. He is a respected leader and will bring a deeper understanding of high performance as we collectively strive to build a brighter future for this storied club.”
This development follows the recent news of American billionaire Christopher Sarofim’s investment in Roundhouse Capital Holdings, a move perceived as a strategy to stabilize the club’s finances further.
“Christopher Sarofim is someone I have known and respected for many years,” stated Friedkin. “He brings experience, sound judgment, and wisdom that will be valuable as we continue to drive the club forward in all areas.”
The structure of Roundhouse Capital Holdings as the ownership and investment vehicle enables flexibility for individuals like Sarofim and Kidd to participate at varying investment levels.
With a firmer financial base bolstered by the new stadium, the club is poised to tackle the challenge of translating fiscal stability into on-field success. The Premier League remains highly competitive, not only at the top but also within the mid-table, making financial acumen and strategic decision-making essential for clubs aiming to excel.
Despite facing challenges during a tumultuous period under previous management, which included points deductions in the 2022/23 season, Everton successfully avoided relegation. The return of former manager David Moyes, who led the club from 2002 to 2013, has heralded a more promising outlook heading into the 2024/25 season.
The club is now in its final games at Goodison Park, evoking a mix of emotions among supporters who feel both nostalgia for the historic venue and hope for what lies ahead.
Fans will be most eager to see if these investments translate into tangible improvements on the field, with a desire for renewed sporting success that has been absent in recent years. Kidd’s inclusion not only enhances the financial side of ownership but also brings critical sporting insight to the table.
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