)
Dave Whelan is one of the richest footballers in the world in 2024. This article will reveal details about Dave Whelan Net Worth.
Dave Whelan Background
Though he was born in Bradford and raised in Wigan, Dave Whelan’s ancestry hailed from County Tipperary inIreland.
Whelan etched his mark on both the football and business spheres, and his journey from a promising footballer to a shrewd entrepreneur has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Whelan's playing career kicked into life at Blackburn Rovers, where he played for four years before suffering a career-threatening leg injury during the 1960 FA Cup Final, which he failed to win.
The inury resulted in a two-year break and the club selling him to Crewe Alexandra in 1962, where he made 115 appearances through to April 1966 before hanging his boots.
However, Whelan's footballing days were far from over.
)
Post-retirement, Whelan's entrepreneurial spirit took center stage. He established JJB Sports, a retail chain specializing in sports equipment. His astute business acumen propelled JJB to immense success, making it a household name in the UK.
Whelan's passion for football led him to another venture: Wigan Athletic. In 1995, he purchased the struggling club, setting out on a mission to transform it into a Premier League force. Under his stewardship, Wigan achieved remarkable success, culminating in a historic FA Cup victory in 2013.
These entrepreneurial endeavors and football ownership have significantly contributed to Dave Whelan net worth. While exact figures vary, estimates place his wealth in the hundreds of millions of pounds. His business acumen, coupled with his unwavering commitment to football, has solidified his position as one of the most influential figures in the sport.
Beyond his football and business achievements, Whelan has also been known for his outspoken nature and philanthropic efforts. He has been involved in various charitable causes, supporting initiatives related to health, education, and community development.
)
Pulse Sports listed Dave Whelan as one of the wealthiest footballers globally in 2024, and in this article, we take a look at the net worth of this English businessman and former footballer, taking a look into the factors that have propelled him to the top of the financial ladder.
How old is Dave Whelan? (Dave Whelan Age)
Dave Whelan was born on 24 November 1936, making him 87 years old as of October 2024.
Dave Whelan Net Worth 2024
Dave Whelan net worth is estimated to be around $210 million USD (£161.5m) as of 2024, as per figures from Celebrity Net Worth.
While he did not male much during his active days a footballer due to the level of money in the sport then, Whelam retired into busines, starting off with a retail store that kicked started his way to riches.
)
The retired defender expanded his retail business by purchasing other franchises and selling sport wears. After growing his wealth through business, he ventured into owning sports teams.
As of 2024, Dave Whelan net worth is estimated to be $210 Million, making him one of the wealthiest football players of all time.
How did Dave Whelan make so much money?
)
Dave Whelan's entrepreneurial journey began humbly, operating a market stall following his retirement from professional football.
His keen business acumen and innovative approach led him to establish Whelan Discount Stores, a chain inspired by American grocery outlets.
This successful venture eventually expanded throughout the north of England, culminating in a lucrative sale to Morrisons for over £1 million in the late-1970s.
Whelan's entrepreneurial spirit continued as he acquired a fishing and sports store in Wigan, known as JJ Bradburn's. Under the brand name JJB Sports, he rapidly expanded the business, opening multiple stores across the country.
JJB Sports quickly became a dominant force in the sports retail industry, establishing itself as the second-largest sports shop chain in the United Kingdom within a couple of decades.
)
Despite his business success, Whelan faced controversy and criticism throughout his career. He stepped down as chairman of JJB Sports in 2005 and sold a significant portion of his shares in the company.
In 2009, he made a surprising move by buying back the JJB chain, which was struggling at the time. Whelan's efforts to revitalise JJB included founding DW Sports Fitness, although the business ultimately faced financial difficulties and went into administration in 2020.
Whelan's entrepreneurial ventures extended beyond retail, as he ventured into club ownership in 1995.
He purchased Wigan Athletic, a Division Three team at the time, and made a bold declaration to lead the club to the Premier League. Through his strategic management and investment, Whelan fulfilled his promise, guiding Wigan Athletic to the top tier of English football in 2005.
)
In addition to his involvement in football, Whelan also acquired the rugby team Wigan Warriors. However, he eventually sold his stake in the rugby league club in 2007.
As of 2024, Dave Whelan net worth puts him in the top 10 for richest footballers in the world.
Dave Whelan Sports Limited
Dave Whelan Sports Limited was a prominent sports retail company founded by the legendary businessman and former footballer, Dave Whelan.
)
Established in the late 1970s, the company quickly rose to prominence, becoming a leading player in the UK sports retail market.
Under the guidance of Dave Whelan, Dave Whelan Sports Limited expanded its operations, opening numerous stores across the country.
The company offered a wide range of sporting goods, including clothing, equipment, and footwear. Known for its competitive prices and high-quality products, Dave Whelan Sports Limited attracted a loyal customer base.
One of the company's most notable achievements was its acquisition of the struggling sports retailer, JJB Sports. Whelan's strategic leadership and business acumen helped to revitalize JJB Sports, transforming it into a thriving enterprise.
However, despite his efforts, the company faced challenges in the competitive retail landscape and ultimately went into administration in 2020.
While Dave Whelan Sports Limited may no longer be in operation, its legacy lives on. The company's contributions to the UK sports retail industry have had a lasting impact.
Dave Whelan Grandson
David Sharpe, the grandson of former Wigan Athletic owner Dave Whelan, became the youngest chairman in English football history at the age of 23 in 2015.
)
He took over the reins from his grandfather, who had overseen the club's rise to the Premier League and a historic FA Cup victory.
Prior to his appointment as chairman, Sharpe had experience running a family restaurant near Wigan's ground.
However, his tenure as the club's owner was relatively short-lived, as he eventually sold Wigan Athletic to International Entertainment Corporation.
Dave Whelan Barbados
)
Whelan had a deep affection for Barbados, considering it his favorite holiday destination. This fondness led him to invest a significant sum of $13 million (£8.6 million) in the country in 2013.
Whelan's particular interest in Barbados was drawn to the Lone Star Hotel and Restaurant. He was so captivated by the establishment that he acquired it for the substantial sum mentioned above, subsequently investing an additional £1 million to expand the number of rooms to 20.
The Lone Star Hotel and Restaurant has an intriguing history. It began its existence as a garage but has since transformed into a stylish and trendy destination, earning the reputation of "the most retro chic spot on Barbados." The suites, uniquely named after cars, offer luxurious accommodations ranging from $550 to $950 per night.
As a testament to his love for Barbados, Whelan pledged to bring the FA Cup trophy to the island after his team's victory in 2013.
Dave Whelan Wife and Children
)
Whelan is married to his wife Pat, and they have one daughter named Jane, a son named Paul, and four grandchildren.
Dave Whelan Statue
In 2016, Dave Whelan unveiled a statue of himself outside the club's stadium.
)
The impressive sculpture depicts Whelan holding the FA Cup, a fitting tribute to his significant contributions to the club.
Whelan expressed his gratitude for the honor, stating that the statue was a "great way of saying 'thank you'".
)
He praised the artist, Sean, for capturing his likeness perfectly, particularly his favorite memory of leading the team out at Wembley after winning the FA Cup.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)