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According to reports, American rapper A$AP Rocky is almost done with a deal to buy 80% of the English soccer club Tranmere Rovers. This comes soon after he was found not guilty of two felony assault counts after a Hollywood confrontation in 2021.
A jury deliberated for three hours before finding the 36-year-old artist, whose real name is Rakim Athelaston Mayers, not guilty. His planned investment in the League Two team, which had been postponed because of his ongoing legal battle, was finally made possible by the verdict.
Rocky had exclaimed,
"Thank y’all for saving my life"
embracing his fans in the courtroom and thanking the jurors.
A$AP Rocky's Takeover Deal
A$AP Rocky is a member of a group that wants to pay around £15 million ($19 million) for an 80% share in Tranmere Rovers. The Santini Group, Tranmere's Indonesian investors, would only own a minority share of the agreement, which was spearheaded by his lawyer Joe Tacopina, who has previous experience with Italian teams like Roma and SPAL. For more than a year, negotiations have been going on with club owners Mark and Nicola Palios.
The acquisition was apparently delayed in part because of Tacopina's past issues in Italy, which included a suspension for late payments with SPAL. But now that Rocky has been found not guilty, the takeover negotiations are back on track and may be finished before the upcoming soccer season.
If the deal closes, A$AP Rocky would become the latest American celebrity to invest in lower-tier English football teams. Wrexham AFC's success under Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney has established a standard, as their ownership improved the team's financial standing and global recognition.
Similarly, Rocky's international reputation could help Tranmere Rovers, who are now 22nd in League Two. Although A$AP Rocky's participation is not required, club chairman Mark Palios earlier stated that his celebrity status could increase the club's commercial potential.
The Trial's impact on the deal
The rapper's legal struggle over claims involving a semi-automatic rifle caused the takeover to be delayed. The allegations stemmed from a 2021 confrontation in which A$AP Rocky allegedly fired two rounds at his old friend A$AP Relli whose real name is Terell Ephron. Rocky's defense claimed the gun was a fake from a music video and only fired blanks, while Ephron stated in his testimony that he was just slightly hurt.
"I’m thankful and blessed to be here right now, to be a free man talking to y’all."
A$AP Rocky said, following the verdict. Pop sensation Rihanna, his partner, who was present at a large portion of the trial, posted on social media to celebrate his acquittal, writing,
"The glory belongs to God and God alone."
What's next for Tranmere Rovers?
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The clubs's supporters are hoping for a change akin to Wrexham's under Ryan Reynold and Rob McElhenney, now that the agreement is reportedly back in the works. If the deal goes through, the team may be able to move up the English football hierarchy and receive more financing and worldwide recognition.
Tranmere Rovers and their supporters are waiting for an official announcement as talks continue, which could mark the beginning of a new era for the Merseyside-based team.
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