Introduction:
Dave Whelan is a prominent British businessman who made his fortune by establishing an empire in sports retailing. He founded JJB Sports, one of the leading sports retail chains in the UK, which had over 400 stores and employed thousands of people. In 1995, Whelan invested some of his fortune in owning a small football club in Wigan, which he later developed into the Wigan Athletic Football Club. Since then, the club has achieved many successes under his management. Today, Whelan is known as an influential figure in the world of sports, but how much wealth has he accumulated through his career? This article will explore the wealth of Dave Whelan and the assets he has acquired.
Early Life and Career:
Born in 1936 in Wigan, a town in Greater Manchester, Dave Whelan came from a working-class family. After a stint in the army, he began his career as a bricklayer, working for his father’s construction business. In the 1960s, Whelan started working in sports retail, founding the Whelan’s Discount Stores chain. In 1977, he acquired a sports store in Wigan, which he renamed JJB Sports. The chain would go on to become one of the most successful sports retail brands in the UK, before Whelan sold it in 2007 for £190 million.
The Rise of Wigan Athletic:
In 1995, Dave Whelan purchased Wigan Athletic, which was then a small, non-league football club. He invested heavily in the club, building a new stadium and bringing in new players. Whelan’s ambition was to make Wigan Athletic a top-flight football club, and he achieved that goal in 2005 when they were promoted to the Premier League. The club has since had ups and downs, but it remains a fixture in English football.
Other Business Ventures:
Aside from his sports retail and football interests, Dave Whelan has also been involved in other business ventures. He invested in the DW Fitness Club chain, which has over 90 branches across the UK, and he established the Whelan Property Group, which owns and manages commercial properties. Whelan also owns a number of other assets, including racehorses and vineyards.
Net Worth:
According to estimates, Dave Whelan’s net worth is around £320 million. This makes him one of the wealthiest people in the UK. Much of his wealth comes from the sale of JJB Sports, but he also has a significant fortune tied up in property and other assets. It’s worth noting that Whelan has been a generous philanthropist over the years, donating millions to charity.
Personal Life:
Dave Whelan has been married three times and has five children. He is known for his no-nonsense attitude and tough management style. Whelan suffered a severe injury in 1960 when he broke his leg during a football match. The injury ended his playing career, but it didn’t dampen his love for the sport.
Philanthropy:
Dave Whelan has been a generous philanthropist throughout his life. He has donated millions to charity and set up the Dave Whelan Foundation in 2008, which aims to support cancer research and other causes in the UK. Whelan has also been involved in a number of local community projects in Wigan.
Legacy:
Dave Whelan’s legacy will be tied to his achievements in sports retail and football. He is credited with revolutionizing the sports retail industry in the UK and making football a significant part of life in Wigan. Whelan’s impact on the town has been significant, with many local people benefiting from his philanthropy and investment in the community.
Conclusion:
Dave Whelan’s wealth is tied up in a variety of assets, including sports retail, property, and sports teams. He is one of the wealthiest people in the UK, with an estimated net worth of around £320 million. Whelan’s legacy will be as a pioneering figure in sports retail and football, as well as for his philanthropy and investment in his community.
FAQs:
1) What is Dave Whelan’s net worth?
Dave Whelan’s net worth is estimated to be around £320 million.
2) What business ventures is Dave Whelan involved in?
Aside from sports retail, Whelan has interests in property, fitness clubs, and various other ventures.
3) How did Dave Whelan become wealthy?
Whelan made his fortune through the establishment of the JJB Sports retail chain and other business ventures.
4) What is the Dave Whelan Foundation?
The Dave Whelan Foundation is a charity set up by Dave Whelan that supports cancer research and other causes in the UK.
5) What is Dave Whelan’s legacy?
Dave Whelan is known for his impact on sports retail and football in the UK, as well as his philanthropy and investment in his community.