US Consortium Arise Capital Partners have purchased Sheffield Wednesday under the leadership of David Storch, an American executive and former chief executive (CEO) of AAR, an aviation company.
Paul Taylor, Community Lead with the SWFC Supporters’ Trust, was elated by the news and said: “To find ourselves suddenly in a world where the wage restrictions were exponentially eased and the points deduction was zero made all of our heads spin.
“Suddenly, after years of misery and frustration, it was a bright new dawn. Hugely emotional, and a real sense of kinship amongst the supporters who have gone through so much.”
The news was announced on the final day of the 2025/26 EFL Championship season in front of a sell-out crowd at Hillsborough, creating a party atmosphere to match the Honolulu dress code.
It brings an end to the torrid reign of previous owner Dejphon Chansiri. However, Mr Taylor is encouraged by the early signs from Storch and co.
He said: “Everything we have seen and heard from the new owners suggests that they are from a different galaxy to their predecessor.
“Crucially, they understand the need to fully reconnect Sheffield Wednesday with the community; they understand the importance of Wednesday and Hillsborough to the local Sheffield community and beyond.”
The Owls defeated West Bromwich Albion to ensure they avoided the unwanted title of becoming the first ever team in EFL history to finish on minus points, overcoming the 18-point deduction handed to them at the start of the season.
The day was always going to be celebratory regardless of the result, but the faithful fans were also treated to confirmation that the club’s expected 15-point deduction ahead of next season had been wiped by the EFL.
Mr Taylor said: “If Wednesday are successful, it doesn’t really matter what division they are in. We know that if we can get near the top of League 1, crowds in excess of 25,000 can be routine, and this can only be good news for local business.
“The ravages of last season saw some businesses, including much-loved pubs, come close to going out of business. The feelgood buzz generated by the new owners will hopefully rub off on local businesses.”