What is Tilman Fertitta’s net worth as big Sheffield Wednesday takeover update emerges | OneFootball

US businessman Tilman Fertitta, who is worth over $11bn, is interested in purchasing Sheffield Wednesday.

Sheffield Wednesday are hoping Dejphon Chansiri’s time as owner of the club will come to an end in the coming weeks, with Tilman Fertitta believed to be among those interested in buying the Championship outfit.

The Owls have had a torrid summer so far, with Chansiri having failed to pay all the wages on time for the past two months, which brought sanctions from the EFL.

As well as that, there is uncertainty surrounding the future of Danny Rohl, who agreed to return to the club, although some of the players are believed to be unhappy about that.

So, there’s a lot to sort out, but the immediate priority for all connected to the club is to seal a takeover, and it has been suggested that an agreement with a buyer could be 'very close'.

Tilman Fertitta among those interested in buying Sheffield Wednesday

Given the history, stature and potential of the club, along with the big fan base, it’s no surprise that there are many interested parties in buying Wednesday.

However, it remains to be seen how many of those are serious about doing a deal, and, perhaps more importantly, whether they can match the valuation that Chansiri has put on the club.

Of those looking at the Owls, journalist Alan Biggs has revealed that US businessman Fertitta is keen to purchase the Yorkshire side.

Tilman Fertitta’s net worth as he considers buying Sheffield Wednesday

The 68-year-old, who is the US ambassador to Italy and San Marino, certainly has the wealth to secure a takeover of Wednesday, as Forbes has previously estimated his net worth exceeds $11bn.

He also has a background in sports, as he owns the Houston Rockets, who are an NBA side, who he paid around $2.2bn to buy back in 2017.

Fertitta also owns Golden Nugget Casinos, and he is involved in various other businesses, many of which are in Texas, which is where he was born.

Of course, if he was to buy Wednesday, he would be the latest in a long line of US investors who have got involved in English football, with Birmingham City and Wrexham two high-profile examples from the Championship.

Sheffield Wednesday need the takeover situation sorted swiftly

This will excite Wednesday fans, as they will want an owner who has deep pockets to sort out the current mess, and it’s an added bonus that Fertitta has a background in sport.

Admittedly, it’s not football, but it means he will still know how to run the club on a day-to-day basis, and ensure they maximise revenues and are doing all they can to get success on the pitch.

Ultimately, though, Wednesday are in a position where they need Chansiri to leave, and for a more responsible owner to take over to ensure they don’t find themselves in this situation again moving forward.