No. John Textor did not buy Sheffield Wednesday. His reported interest in the club prompted takeover speculation in 2025, but Wednesday entered administration later that year and was bought by the David Storch-led Arise consortium on 2 May 2026.
What did John Textor do?
In August 2025, The Guardian reported that Textor had teamed up with football financier Keith Harris in an attempt to buy Sheffield Wednesday. On 27 August, the paper reported that Textor had registered his interest with owner Dejphon Chansiri and was seeking talks. It put the asking price at about £100 million, as understood at the time; that was a reported figure, not a confirmed valuation, offer or sale price. The same report said Chansiri had spoken with several potential buyers. The Guardian’s 27 August report.
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On 3 September, Textor told BBC Sport: “It’s true that I am looking for a traditional English club to buy, or with which I can partner. I am monitoring the situation.” The BBC reported that Keith Harris was no longer involved in Textor’s subsequent approach. The reports establish interest and efforts to seek talks, but do not establish that Textor submitted a formal bid or agreed terms. BBC Sport’s report and interview.
Why did the speculation draw attention?
The reports arrived amid supporter protests against Chansiri and a boycott of a home cup match in August 2025, against the backdrop of the club’s financial difficulties. That context helps explain the attention around possible new ownership; it does not show that all Wednesday supporters backed Textor or that his actions caused the protests. “Takeover frenzy” is a headline description, not a measured account of supporter opinion. The Guardian’s coverage of the protests and reported interest.
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How Sheffield Wednesday’s ownership changed
Administration and deductions
Sheffield Wednesday entered administration on 24 October 2025. The English Football League said that triggered an automatic 12-point deduction under its rules and opened a route to a sale. In December, the EFL said administration and separate disciplinary proceedings had produced total deductions of 18 points in the 2025/26 season, and that it was supporting the administrators in progressing a sale. EFL statement on administration; EFL’s December update.
Arise becomes preferred bidder and completes the purchase
On 10 March 2026, Sheffield Wednesday named Arise Capital Partners LLC its preferred bidder after an earlier preferred bidder withdrew. The club said Arise had provided a deposit and evidence of funds and entered an exclusivity agreement. BBC Sport reported that the consortium, led by David Storch, completed the takeover on 2 May 2026, after more than six months of administration. The EFL confirmed it would not apply a further 15-point deduction when the club exited administration. Sheffield Wednesday’s preferred-bidder announcement; BBC Sport on completion of the takeover.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the different takeover stages mean
News of interest, a bid, preferred-bidder status and a completed acquisition describe different stages. A report that someone is interested does not establish that they made a formal offer, passed league or regulator checks, or took control. The EFL’s current guidance describes acquisition-of-control requirements and funding checks, but today’s framework should not be treated as a description of the process applicable to Textor’s 2025 discussions. EFL guidance on owners and directors.
Quick Recap
- Reported interest: Textor was reported to have contacted Chansiri and sought talks.
- Formal bid: The cited reports do not establish that Textor submitted one.
- Preferred bidder: In March 2026, the club named Arise its preferred bidder, subject to the process continuing.
- Completed acquisition: BBC Sport reported Arise’s takeover as complete on 2 May 2026.
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