Sports professionals Pablo Webster, Evan Mitz and Brian Anderson have made a significant investment in Lincoln City.
The three, who all have strong backgrounds in football in the United States, are joining the investment group at Lincoln City through their WMA Sports Ventures group.
Evan said “Our WMA group includes an outstanding group of our friends and family who share our respect for the history of Lincoln City and want to join us on this journey.”
Pablo is a former professional soccer player, who transitioned into investment banking after his playing career was cut short by injury. With a degree in economics and finance, he spent a decade in finance before focusing on seed and early-stage investing in sports organisations.
Evan is the chief operating officer of Carolina Core FC, an MLS Next Pro expansion side who will take part in the league from 2024. He has a background in commercial and sporting sides of football organisations.
Brian is a Partner and the head of the Sports Group at an international law firm. He has significant experience acting for clients in the sports industry, representing global brands, teams, leagues, investors, rights-holders, and sports technology companies.
The three initially met as members of the U.S. Soccer Federation Development Council, serving as ambassadors for the non-profit Federation and raising donations and working on programs to accelerate the development of world class players and coaches.
Pablo said: “We discovered we have a shared passion for investing in professional soccer.”
Brian said: “We investigated dozens of European clubs for more than a year and Lincoln City is the clear standout in terms of leadership, community, values, and long term strategic plan and ambition.”
“This is a long-term investment into the club, where we want to add value to the existing investor group and management team.”
Lincoln City chairman Clive Nates said: “We have partnered with WMA to help drive the club forward and we're excited to welcome Pablo, Evan and Brian as we seek to create a sustainable and successful club with more exciting seasons ahead for all involved with the Imps.”
The investment, which is being made into Lincoln City Holdings, will entitle WMA Sport Ventures to representation on City’s board subject to completion of the EFL’s owners and directors test.