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Watts are the latest tie between Wisconsin and professional soccer

JR Radcliffe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
·2 min read

J.J. Watt and Kealia Watt are getting further into the soccer business, and they're not the first Wisconsin-connected athletes to take that particular jump.

J.J., newly retired from the NFL and Kealia, who played for the National Women's Soccer League from 2014-21, have invested together in Burnley FC, an English soccer team that just earned promotion to the English Premier League for 2023.

J.J. Watt of the Arizona Cardinals talks with his wife, Kealia, and son, Koa, prior to the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Jan. 8, 2023, in Santa Clara, California. Watt was playing the final game of his NFL career.
J.J. Watt of the Arizona Cardinals talks with his wife, Kealia, and son, Koa, prior to the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Jan. 8, 2023, in Santa Clara, California. Watt was playing the final game of his NFL career.

Earlier this season, the Watts traveled to Turf Moor, the club's home since 1883, and watched the Clarets defeat Wigan Athletic 3-0.

“When you invest in a club that’s been around since 1882, you must have great respect for its history and tradition," the Watts said in a statement. "We understand that not only are we investing in the squad and manager, we’re investing in the town and its people. We take that responsibility very seriously and intend to work hard in earning their trust and support.”

Wisconsin may not be seen as a soccer state, but there are several connections to the soccer world:

Professional basketball brothers Giannis (right), Thanasis (middle), Alex (left) and Kostas (not picured) Antetokounmpo join Nashville Soccer Club ownership stake.
Professional basketball brothers Giannis (right), Thanasis (middle), Alex (left) and Kostas (not picured) Antetokounmpo join Nashville Soccer Club ownership stake.

Giannis Antetokounmpo (and his brothers)

The Milwaukee Bucks star joined brothers Thanasis, Kostas and Alex to invest in Nashville SC of Major League Soccer.

Nashville joined MLS in 2020, upgrading from the USL (a league that will soon have an entrant from Milwaukee). After an inaugural MLS season abbreviated by the COVID-19 pandemic, Nashville took third in its conference in 2021 and fifth last year.

Mark Attanasio has owned the Milwaukee Brewers since 2004. He also owns a major stake in Norwich City, an English Football Championship League.
Mark Attanasio has owned the Milwaukee Brewers since 2004. He also owns a major stake in Norwich City, an English Football Championship League.

Mark Attanasio

Giannis also happens to own a stake in the Brewers, though Attanasio has the majority ownership of Milwaukee's baseball franchise. As of last fall, Attanasio also owns a major stake in Norwich City, currently belonging to the English Football Championship League one notch below the Premier League. He's the first overseas owner in club history.

Columbus Crew co-owner Jim Haslam celebrates on the field with players following their 2-0 win over FC Cincinnati, July 17, 2022, in Columbus. His owner group with his wife recently bought a major stake into the Milwaukee Bucks.
Columbus Crew co-owner Jim Haslam celebrates on the field with players following their 2-0 win over FC Cincinnati, July 17, 2022, in Columbus. His owner group with his wife recently bought a major stake into the Milwaukee Bucks.

Jimmy Haslam

The new major stakeholder in the Milwaukee Bucks came to town with roots in other pro sports. The owners of the Cleveland Browns also co-own the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer.

Racine native Jesse Marsch is a top candidate to lead the U.S. national soccer team.
Racine native Jesse Marsch is a top candidate to lead the U.S. national soccer team.

Jesse Marsch

The Racine native has emerged as a top candidate to lead the U.S. national soccer team. The 1991 graduate of Racine Case became the first American to coach in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League in 2019 as the leader of RB Salzburg.

United States' Rose Lavelle, left, and Sweden's Caroline Seger, right, battle for the ball during a women's soccer match at the 2020 Summer Olympics on July 21, 2021, in Tokyo. Lavelle is a University of Wisconsin graduate.
United States' Rose Lavelle, left, and Sweden's Caroline Seger, right, battle for the ball during a women's soccer match at the 2020 Summer Olympics on July 21, 2021, in Tokyo. Lavelle is a University of Wisconsin graduate.

Rose Lavelle

The University of Wisconsin alumna is one of the stars of the United States women's team. She won a bronze medal at the 2020/21 summer Olympics but, more visibly, scored a goal in the World Cup final when the United States beat Netherlands in 2019.

More: Was Rose Lavelle's World Cup showing the biggest performance by an ex-Badger ... ever?

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Watts invest in Premier League, latest tie in Wisconsin-soccer boom