LONDON: A consortium led by Chinese investor Chien Lee and including baseball statistics pioneer Billy Beane has taken over Barnsley, the English second-tier club announced on Tuesday.
American investors Paul Conway and Grace Hung are also investing in the Championship club from South Yorkshire in northern England.
Barnsley’s new patrons take over from Barnsley’s longstanding owner Patrick Cryne, who in September revealed he has terminal cancer.
“The club have gained English Football League approval for the change in majority shareholder and our new shareholders have now taken up their positions on the board of Barnsley Football Club,” Barnsley said in a statement.
Beane found fame by using statistical analysis to find undervalued talent — a practice known as ‘sabermetrics’ — as general manager of baseball team the Oakland A’s.
His story was told in the 2011 film “Moneyball” starring Brad Pitt.
Lee, founder and chairman of investment firm NewCity Capital, bought 80 percent of French club Nice last year.
He sits on the board at the Ligue 1 club alongside Conway, who leads Pacific Media Group along with Hung.
Lee and Conway will become co-chairmen at Barnsley, who spent one season in the Premier League in 1997-98 and currently sit 20th in England’s 24-team Championship.
“Similar to our investment in OGC Nice, we expect to further enhance the academy, playing squad, commercial operations and fan experience of Barnsley Football Club,” Conway said.
“Barnsley has some of the most passionate fans in England and we look forward to meeting many of its supporters in the upcoming weeks.”
Barnsley are the fourth Championship team to fall under Chinese control after the Midlands trio of Aston Villa, Birmingham City and league leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers.
In the Premier League, Southampton and West Bromwich Albion — another club from the Midlands — are Chinese-owned, while Chinese consortium CMC Capital owns a 13-percent stake in Manchester City.
’Moneyball’ Beane in Chinese-led Barnsley takeover
’Moneyball’ Beane in Chinese-led Barnsley takeover
Dubai Basketball introduce 17-year-old Tomislav Vuckovic as they stay perfect in ABA League
- Winning streak now at 12-0 after the team’s 90-79 victory over Borac Mozzart at Coca-Cola Arena
DUBAI: Dubai Basketball extended their winning streak to 12-0 in the ABA League with a 90-79 victory over Borac Mozzart at Coca-Cola Arena on Monday.
The game also marked a historic moment for the club and basketball development in the UAE. Tomislav Vuckovic, 17, became the first Dubai Basketball Academy player to start for the senior team in official competition.
His inclusion represents a significant milestone in the club’s long-term vision to help young players become professionals, according to a statement from the team.
The opening quarter did not unfold in line with Dubai’s usual standards. Borac Mozzart began with confidence and tempo, capitalizing on early lapses to take a 23-19 lead after the first 10 minutes.
As the former NBA duo McKinley Wright and Dwayne Bacon orchestrated the offence, Dubai gradually took control and went into halftime with a 41-37 advantage.
Dubai’s depth played a key role as the game progressed. Contributions from newcomer Kenan Kamenjas, and Dubai veterans Nemanja Dangubic and Klemen Prepelic, helped sustain the advantage.
Borac’s efforts were largely driven by Marko Josilo and Diante Baldwin. Without consistent support, the visitors were unable to mount a comeback.
Reflecting on the performance, Dubai Basketball Head Coach Jurica Golemac said: “It was not an easy game, especially after such a tight schedule.
“We did not start well, but we found our rhythm in the second half and made the game easier. Everyone shared minutes, nobody got injured, and that is the most important thing for us.”
Dubai managed the final quarter with composure, closing out the contest without allowing the margin to come under threat. Bacon led the scoring with 15 points, while Kamenjas added 13 and seven rebounds.
The team now head into round 22 of the EuroLeague against Virtus Bologna, standing 12th in the league, one position above Dubai.
