Salford City Football Club (SCFC) today announced that AIG (NYSE: AIG), a global leader in insurance and risk management, has joined the Club as a minority equity investor and long-term commercial partner. The move makes AIG the first Fortune 500 company to take an ownership stake in an EFL League Two Club, a powerful endorsement of Salford City’s long-term vision and growing momentum since the Club’s new ownership group was announced earlier this year.
A provider of insurance solutions for businesses and individuals in more than 200 countries and jurisdictions, AIG brings unmatched commercial scale and global brand visibility to the Ammies. AIG’s investment will support key priorities across the Club’s strategic roadmap, including infrastructure upgrades at the Peninsula Stadium, digital fan engagement initiatives, and expanded community programming across Greater Manchester.
AIG joins a growing global roster of world-class partners, including India’s premier luxury international sports travel and experiences platform, DreamSetGo, and a newly signed multi-year deal with Coca-Cola, strengthening what is now the most dynamic commercial pipeline in Club history and fueling Salford’s ambitions for promotion and sustainable success.
“We’re thrilled to welcome AIG as a strategic investor in Salford City. Their global track record of innovation and market leadership in business and sports will greatly benefit Salford City FC”, said Gary Neville, Club Co-Owner. “AIG’s investment is a major endorsement of what we’re building, on the pitch, in the Salford community, and beyond.”
Declan Kelly, Co-Chair of SCFC, added: “Partnering with AIG, a world class organization under the outstanding vision and leadership of Chairman and CEO Peter Zaffino, represents another major step forward in the evolution of Salford City FC. It proves what’s possible when global investment aligns with a football-first approach. AIG is committed to helping Salford achieve its vision of becoming the best small club in the world and their investment, both financially and strategically, will help accelerate our next phase of progress.”
Peter Zaffino, Chairman and CEO of AIG, said: “AIG is proud to invest in Salford City FC and to support the club’s multi-year strategic roadmap that will enhance the experience for players, partners and fans around the world. We look forward to partnering with the impressive ownership group led by Gary Neville, Sir David Beckham, Declan Kelly and Lord Mervyn Davies as they execute their vision for the club and the Salford community.”
AIG’s investment in Salford City FC adds to its global sports portfolio which includes its title sponsorship of the AIG Women’s Open. One of the five most prestigious tournaments in women’s golf, this year’s AIG Women’s Open was held at Royal Porthcawl in Wales, the largest women’s sporting event ever held in that country. Since becoming the title sponsor in 2019, AIG has tripled the AIG Women’s Open championship purse, and last year received the LPGA’s Golden Driver Award for Best Player Experience.
