There is no verified evidence that John Textor made a final choice between Derby County and Sheffield Wednesday. The clubs’ ownership stories ended separately: Sheffield Wednesday’s sale to Arise Capital Partners LLC completed in May 2026, while Derby County’s expected takeover by Turki Alalshikh’s Lion Sport group failed to complete in August. Derby chairman David Clowes then said the club was off the market.
Did John Textor choose between Derby County and Sheffield Wednesday?
No final choice by Textor is established in the available public record. His documented connection is earlier reported interest in Sheffield Wednesday in 2025; his own news index links to coverage of that interest. The cited material does not connect him to Derby’s failed takeover proposal or show that he selected one club over the other.
That distinction matters: the two transactions were separate processes, not competing offers from Textor. Sheffield Wednesday was ultimately bought by Arise Capital Partners LLC. Derby’s proposed buyer was identified in BBC reporting as Turki Alalshikh’s Lion Sport group.
What happened to Sheffield Wednesday’s sale?
Arise was named preferred bidder in March
On 10 March 2026, Sheffield Wednesday’s administrators named Arise Capital Partners LLC as preferred bidder after an earlier preferred bidder withdrew. The club said Arise had provided a substantial deposit and evidence of funds. An exclusivity agreement also addressed funding of trading losses if the transaction had not completed within eight weeks. This was an interim milestone, later superseded by the completed sale. Sheffield Wednesday’s sale-process update
#1 Best Overall
The sale completed in May
The EFL said on 2 May 2026 that its agreement with Arise had formally concluded and the club was under new ownership. The joint administrators, BTG, separately confirmed completion on 5 May. The EFL also said it would not impose the 15-point deduction that had been under consideration following the club’s exit from administration. EFL statement · BTG completion announcement
Arise was led by David Storch alongside Michael Storch and Tom Costin, whom the club named in its March update. After completion, David Storch said: “Sheffield Wednesday deserves stability, ambition and a clear direction. That is what we are here to deliver.”
Rank #2
- Theme: Sports
- Closure Type: Pull on
- Care instructions: machine wash
- Sleeve Type: Short Sleeve; Item Length Description: Standard Length
Why did Derby County’s expected takeover collapse?
Derby chairman David Clowes said the club began 10 August 2026 expecting a takeover to complete, but it did not happen. BBC reporting identified the proposed buyer as Turki Alalshikh’s Lion Sport group and reported that Alalshikh abandoned the proposal. Clowes’s account is the club’s primary statement on the failed completion; the buyer identification comes from the BBC report. Clowes’s statement · BBC report
On 22 August, Clowes said Derby had been taken off the market: “I’m not wasting any more time on what might have been, hence why we have taken the club off the market.” Derby’s ownership page lists Clowes Developments (UK) Ltd as the owner and David Clowes and Richard Tavernor as board members. Derby County ownership and board page
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
How the two club transactions differ
| Point of comparison | Sheffield Wednesday | Derby County |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction outcome | Sale to Arise Capital Partners LLC completed in May 2026, according to the EFL and joint administrators. | Expected takeover did not complete in August 2026, according to chairman David Clowes. |
| Buyer identified in the cited sources | Arise Capital Partners LLC, led by David Storch alongside Michael Storch and Tom Costin. | Turki Alalshikh’s Lion Sport group, identified by BBC reporting. |
| Stated ownership status | Under new ownership after the Arise sale, according to the EFL. | Derby’s ownership page lists Clowes Developments (UK) Ltd. |
| Textor connection established in the cited material | Earlier reported interest in 2025; no evidence here that Textor became the buyer. | No evidence here linking Textor to the failed Lion Sport proposal. |
What the record does—and does not—establish
- Sheffield Wednesday’s sale to Arise completed in May 2026.
- Derby County’s expected takeover did not complete, and Clowes said the club was off the market.
- Textor’s earlier reported interest in Wednesday does not establish a later bid, a purchase, or a choice between the clubs.
- The cited sources do not establish competing offers from Textor, nor do they provide verified offer terms to compare.
Ownership and takeover reporting can change quickly. Derby’s ownership page has no displayed publication date, so its listing should be read as the club’s current published ownership information rather than a dated transaction announcement.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- For those who embrace the smooth look and love a good laugh, this design captures the essence of bald pride with a humorous twist. Celebrate your identity with a fun message that resonates with fellow bald enthusiasts.
- The graphic features the phrase 'BALD LIVES MATTER' in a hand-drawn script style with a grunge effect, utilizing a black and white contrast that enhances visibility. This design is perfect for those with a witty sense of humor.
- Short-sleeve, crew neck jersey made from moisture-wicking, odor-fighting fabric that keeps you cool and comfortable from morning to night.
- A versatile casual performance jersey with contrast color blocking on the neck and sleeves, designed for everyday wear, available in Adult and Youth sizes.
- Printed in the USA using durable Direct-to-Film printing technology for vibrant, long-lasting results.
Rank #4
- Cat Named Athenae! Great for Cat owners who named their Cat Athenae. Great Athenae for rescue Cat lovers whose Cat is called Athenae. Perfect birthday present or Christmas!
- Cute Cat Name perfect for the pet owner with a cat or kitten named Athenae.
- Short-sleeve, crew neck jersey made from moisture-wicking, odor-fighting fabric that keeps you cool and comfortable from morning to night.
- A versatile casual performance jersey with contrast color blocking on the neck and sleeves, designed for everyday wear, available in Adult and Youth sizes.
- Printed in the USA using durable Direct-to-Film printing technology for vibrant, long-lasting results.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
