US sports franchise owner Jon Ledecky linked with Preston North End takeover - but what is his Net Worth? | OneFootball

Jon Ledecky has been linked with a possible takeover at Preston North End

Preston North End director Peter Ridsdale has confirmed that US businessman Jon Ledecky was present at a recent match against Middlesbrough, amid swirling rumours that he's interested in a potential takeover of the club.

In an interview with talkSPORT last weekend, Ridsdale revealed that the 67-year-old American was his guest for the 2-2 draw at Deepdale with Boro, although he stopped short of saying that Ledecky - who is a co-owner of National Hockey League franchise the New York Islanders - was eyeing up a takeover deal.

It remains to be seen whether any takeover will come to fruition, with the Hemmings family still in control of the Championship side despite the reported interest of six potential buyers earlier this year - Trevor Hemmings bought the club in 2010, and was the sole benefactor until his death in 2021, with his family - under the Wordon Limited company - assuming control.

With a new name in the offing though, FLW takes a look at what Ledecky’s net worth is. with the possibility that he could add Preston to his portfolio of sports teams...

Jon Ledecky’s net worth revealed amid Preston North End rumours

Ledecky is a US businessman who is known for his ownership of sports teams in hockey and basketball, having originally gotten into the industry through his role in Lincoln Holdings.

But now his only ownership stake is with the New York Islanders, who compete in the National Hockey League and have won four Stanley Cups, albeit their last one was in 1983.

It has been reported by Celebrity Net Worth that the American is worth $340 million (£252 million), which is a far cry short of what Trevor Hemmings was worth prior to his passing four years ago at £1.115 billion, as per The Times' Rich List.

The possibility of buying Preston for Ledecky - or any interested party for that matter - could be quite pricey, and it remains to be seen whether he could afford that kind of deal based just on his net worth, or whether he'd partner with investors, with the likes of Scott D. Malkin on board with him at the New York Islanders.

It has been reported earlier this year that Sheffield Wednesday owner Dejphon Chansiri is seeking £100 million in order to sell his stake in the Yorkshire outfit, who are in a far worse financial position than the Lilywhites.

The value of any club is going to vary wildly, so it is also unclear how much it will take to buy Preston from the Hemmings family, although in early September, chairman Craig Hemmings announced that the ownership group would convert £30 million worth of loans/debts in the club into equity, which would perhaps be more attractive to a potential buyer or investor.

Why Jon Ledecky may want to buy Preston North End

Preston could be an attractive option for someone like Ledecky, given how prominent US ownership of English football has become.

In recent years, we have seen the likes of Tom Wagner, Kevin Nagle and Mark Attanasio, as well as Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney get into football ownership with clubs in the EFL.

Ledecky may see a market opportunity to get into English football through the Championship by funding a team that might be able to break into the Premier League - even though the last time PNE got remotely close was in 2005 when they lost the Championship play-off final to West Ham.

The Lilywhites also have a lot of history on their side that could be tapped into, with the club being one of the founding members of the Football League.

Restoring Preston to the top flight could be an alluring prospect for the American, with the team’s most recent first division campaign coming in 1961.

The Championship side also owns its assets like its stadium Deepdale, meaning it would be a fairly uncomplicated process to take over.

Rival clubs in the area like Burnley, who are also American owned, have also shown in recent years the success that can be had in the region, which could make Preston an attractive proposition for someone like Ledecky.