AIG becomes largest shareholder of Salford City FC

After making a minority investment in the English professional soccer team, AIG is now the club’s largest shareholder, and “the first Fortune 500 company” to take an ownership stake in a League Two English Football League club (the fourth tier of English football).

Salford City FC, which was founded in 1940, was bought by former Manchester United player Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and Nicky Butt. David Beckham also joined the ownership group. The club earned four promotions in five seasons.

AIG will benefit from extensive brand visibility both on and off the pitch, with further activations and announcements to be unveiled during the 2026/2027 season.

“AIG’s significant commitment to Salford City Football Club goes far beyond investment. It is rooted in shared values and a clear understanding of how great organizations are built. AIG Chairman and CEO Peter Zaffino is one of the most respected leaders in global business, and we are enormously grateful for his belief in Salford City FC, which has had a profound impact on our organization. AIG’s support is a powerful endorsement of Salford City FC’s strategy and our people, and it materially advances our goals as a football club and as a business.” – Salford City FC Co-Chairman Declan Kelly.

“Peter Zaffino is an inspiring leader and we are incredibly grateful for his partnership and continued commitment to Salford City FC. What AIG is doing with this Club is deeply meaningful to the Salford City community. This expanded relationship gives us the platform to keep raising standards and building something that has real value to our players, staff and to our loyal supporters.” – David Beckham and Gary Neville, Co-Owners of Salford City FC.

“Salford City FC’s ownership group, led by Sir David Beckham, Gary Neville, Declan Kelly, and Lord Mervyn Davies, has strategically positioned the Club for tremendous success on and off the field, and AIG is very proud to be a committed partner with an ownership stake and long-term commercial agreement. Salford City FC embodies the values AIG stands for such as setting the standard, winning together and doing what’s right to support our communities.” – AIG Chairman and CEO, Peter Zaffino.

“A few weeks ago I went to the U.S. to meet Peter personally, and it really was one of those ‘pinch yourself’ moments. Most partnerships in football stop at visibility, but this one goes much deeper. When I was there with the Consello team, we talked about leadership and performance, about how AI can strengthen decision-making, and about building the infrastructure and commercial engine to match our ambition. The opportunity to tap into AIG’s intelligence, innovation and leadership is extraordinary, and it can help move Salford City FC forward in a meaningful way.” – Gary Neville, Co-Owner of Salford City FC.