Who Owns Manchester City?
Manchester City is owned by City Football Group, a global football conglomerate controlled by Abu Dhabi United Group, led by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The club was acquired in 2008 for approximately £210 million and is headquartered in Manchester, England.
Parent Company
City Football Group
Acquired
2008
Status
Private
Headquarters
Manchester, England
Who Owns Manchester City?
- Parent Company: City Football Group
- Ownership Type: Wholly owned
- Acquisition Year: 2008
- Company Type: Privately Held
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester City | City Football Group | Wholly owned |
History of Manchester City
- Founded: 1880
- Founders: Arthur Connell, Anna Connell
- Acquired by City Football Group: 2008
Manchester City was founded in 1880 as St Mark's (West Gorton) by Arthur Connell and Anna Connell, with the club becoming Manchester City in 1894. The club played at various grounds before moving to Maine Road in 1923, which would remain their home for 80 years.
The club experienced its first major success in the 1930s, winning the FA Cup in 1934 and the First Division title in 1937. Manchester City enjoyed periods of success throughout the 20th century, including notable achievements in the 1960s and 1970s under managers Joe Mercer and Malcolm Allison.
A significant turning point came in 2002 when the club moved from Maine Road to the City of Manchester Stadium (now known as the Etihad Stadium). However, the most transformative moment came in 2008 with the acquisition by Abu Dhabi United Group.
Under the new ownership, Manchester City invested heavily in players, infrastructure, and global expansion. The club has won multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, and most notably, the UEFA Champions League in 2023, completing a historic treble under manager Pep Guardiola.
About City Football Group
Who owns City Football Group?
City Football Group is majority owned by Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG), controlled by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a member of the Abu Dhabi royal family. Silver Lake Partners holds a minority stake. Khaldoon Al Mubarak serves as Chairman.
Is City Football Group publicly traded?
No. City Football Group is a privately held company and is not listed on any stock exchange.
How many clubs does City Football Group own?
As of February 2026, CFG owns or has partnerships with over 12 clubs including Manchester City, New York City FC, Melbourne City FC, Yokohama F. Marinos, Girona FC, Mumbai City FC, Montevideo City Torque, Lommel SK, Troyes AC, Palermo FC, Bahia, and Al Jazira (collaboration).
What charges does Manchester City face?
Manchester City faces 115 charges from the Premier League related to alleged breaches of financial rules covering 2009 to 2018. Manchester City has denied the charges. The case was before an independent commission as of February 2026.
When did Manchester City win the Champions League?
Manchester City won its first UEFA Champions League title in June 2023, defeating Inter Milan 1-0 in Istanbul, completing a historic treble of Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League in the same season.
- Founded: 2008
- Headquarters: Manchester, United Kingdom
- Company Type: Privately Held
Where Is Manchester City Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Manchester, England
- Manufacturing / Operations: United Kingdom, Global operations
Brands Owned by City Football Group
- Girona FC - Spanish professional soccer team based in Girona, competing in La Liga....
- Melbourne City FC - Australian professional soccer team based in Melbourne, competing in the A-Leagu...
- Mumbai City FC - Indian professional soccer team based in Mumbai, competing in the Indian Super L...
- New York City FC - American professional soccer team based in New York, competing in Major League S...
- Yokohama F. Marinos - Japanese professional soccer team based in Yokohama, competing in the J-League....
Manchester City Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Unprecedented financial backing from wealthy sovereign wealth group
- +Investment in world-class facilities including stadium expansion and training complex
- +Global multi-club network for talent development and commercial expansion
- +Strategic vision focused on long-term dominance in domestic and European football
- +Professional management approach with data-driven decision making
Considerations
- -Pressure to achieve consistent success and trophies to justify massive investment
- -Regulatory scrutiny regarding financial fair play and state ownership
- -Competition with other wealthy clubs for top talent and commercial opportunities
- -Need to balance commercial growth with football traditions and supporter values
- -Global expansion may dilute focus on local community connections
Frequently Asked Questions About Manchester City
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Manchester City on AmazonCompetitors to Manchester City
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harris Blitzer Sports Entertainment | USA | 2008 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders | |
| Kroenke Sports Entertainment | United Kingdom | 1886 | Mass Market | Global | Male | |
| Kroenke Sports Entertainment | USA | 1979 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders | |
| Woody Johnson | United Kingdom | 1905 | Mass Market | Global | All Genders | |
| Kroenke Sports Entertainment | USA | 1967 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders | |
| Miami Freedom Park | USA | 2018 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders |
Learn More About Competitors
Philadelphia Union
Owned by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment
American professional soccer team based in Philadelphia, competing in Major League Soccer (MLS).
Arsenal Football Club
Owned by Kroenke Sports & Entertainment
English professional football club based in London, competing in the Premier League and owned by American billionaire Stan Kroenke through Kroenke Sports & Entertainment.
Colorado Avalanche
Owned by Kroenke Sports & Entertainment
American professional ice hockey team based in Denver, competing in the National Hockey League (NHL).
Crystal Palace Football Club
Owned by Crystal Palace FC (John Textor & Steve Parish)
English professional football club based in South London, competing in the Premier League and owned by American billionaire Woody Johnson through his acquisition of John Textor's stake.
Denver Nuggets
Owned by Kroenke Sports & Entertainment
American professional basketball team based in Denver, competing in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Inter Miami CF
Owned by Miami Freedom Park LLC
American professional soccer club based in Miami, Florida, competing in Major League Soccer (MLS) and co-owned by David Beckham and Jorge Mas.
Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: Manchester City competes with 6 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
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