NBA great and American billionaire join Everton ownership group
Three developments at Everton this week illustrate the continuing change that is underway at the Club as The Friedkin Group approach four months as owners.
On Wednesday, the Blues have announced that Christopher Sarofim, Chairman of the global investment manager Fayez Sarofim & Co, has joined Roundhouse Capital Holdings Limited, the entity created by TFG to buy out Farhad Moshiri last December, and will become a Board Observer at Everton.
Sarofim, a minority owner of NFL franchise, the Houston Texans, and former analyst at Wall Street Giant, Goldman Sachs, has four decades of experience in investment, fund management and philanthropy behind him and it is hoped he won't be the last heavy hitter from the world of finance to come on board at the Club's Royal Liver Building headquarters.
Mr Sarofim said: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to join the ownership group of Everton - an historic sporting institution with a very exciting future. I have known and admired the Friedkin family for many years and I look forward to working with Marc Watts, The Friedkin Group and everyone at Everton to help the club fulfil its huge potential on and off the pitch.”
TFG Chairman and CEO, Dan Friedkin said: “Christopher Sarofim is someone I have known and respected for many years. He brings experience, sound judgment and wisdom that will be valuable as we continue to drive the Club forward in all areas.”
And on Thursday it was revealed that NBA playing great and current Dallas Mavericks head coach, Jason Kidd, has also joined the ownership group.
Kidd said: “I’m honoured to be joining Everton’s ownership at such an important moment: with a new stadium on the horizon and a bright future ahead, it’s a great moment to come on board.”
Meanwhile, it has been announced that outgoing Director of Football, Kevin Thelwell, has been appointed to a similar role by Rangers.
It was revealed earlier this year that Thelwell, who took his post with the Toffees three years ago, would not be offered a new contract by Everton as TFG look to install a revamped recruitment setup at Finch Farm.
Current Leeds United Chief Executive, Angus Kinnear, will officially join the Club as full-time CEO on 1st July and Everton are said to be close to hiring transfer specialist Nick Hammond.
Hammond has been contracting as a recruitment advisor to Leeds but is expected to be given a full-time role.
Reader Responses
Selected thoughts from readers25/04/2025 10:00:42
Interesting times (but hopefully in a good way, not like the proverb…) Is the picture from the new stadium? It is rather swish!
25/04/2025 14:19:20
The picture is from the reception area of Everton's HQ at the Royal Liver Building. Very swish indeed!
25/04/2025 16:45:37
It is great to see huge business experience occupying the ownership group, but we need to attract top talent into our football operations and academy also.
And that doesn’t mean the new CEO bringing his ex-contractor from a championship club, or David Moyes hiring Charlie Adams as set piece coach when he has never done the job in his life.
25/04/2025 21:01:17
Hi Lyndon, do you know if Moshiri is still part owner of the Liver Building? Thanks, Barry
25/04/2025 21:20:23
Barry (5), as far as I know he still is, yes. I seem to recall he was looking to sell his part in it while he was still our majority shareholder but I don't know how true that was or if it's still his intention.
25/04/2025 21:41:42
Thanks Lyndon, I wonder how much rent he is charging us! Do you know if the club will move these office staff to BMD?
26/04/2025 08:35:50
Is it just me that finds that reception a sensory nightmare?
Seriously I would sue if I had to work in that bright white light spotlight.
Doesn't anyone get migraines working there? Garish and unclassy if you ask me
27/04/2025 18:09:48
Have we got any clues as what sort of role Jason Kidd will fulfill? I thought maybe advising on attacking strategies and implementaion of those strategories.We, sure as eggs are eggs, we need someone to do that and have needed that person for some years now.
To be honest, from what I have read, I'm not sure what his role will be.
28/04/2025 13:06:43
I've been thinking some more to try and find out a bit more about what role, if any, it is intented that Jason Kidd will play in Everton. All to no avail I'm afraid. All it said in the press release was, “I’m honoured to be joining Everton’s ownership at such an important moment: with a new stadium on the horizon and a bright future ahead, it’s a great moment to come on board.”. Thats is all we have been told whereas there were several paragraphs about Mr Sarafim.
This has led to a fair amount of speculation, which is something that I thought TFG wanted to avoid so I'm confused as to what they are playing at. Has Kidd joined Roundhouse but won't have anything to do with Everton or is there a role TFG want him to take up in the future at th Club?
I think we should be told.
Add Your Thoughts
Only registered users of Evertonia can participate in discussions.
Or Join as Evertonia Member — it takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your thoughts on artices across the site.
24/04/2025 22:34:58
I wonder if these guys are looking at developing a "Sporting Club" concept at Everton? I know it has been talked of several times with other Premier League clubs but I don't recall anything really taking off anywhere.
There would be plenty of room for an indoor sporting stadium at Nelson dock that would accommodate Basketball