Alan Pace is an American businessman who has become a notable figure in the world of football ownership. Best known for his role as the chairman and majority owner of Burnley F.C., Pace’s journey from the world of finance to football is an interesting one. With a background in investment banking, Pace has used his financial expertise to reshape the clubs he owns, starting with Burnley and expanding into Spain with his recent acquisition of RCD Espanyol. Despite his relative anonymity in comparison to other high-profile football club owners, Alan Pace is quickly becoming a key player in the business of European football.
Early Life and Career
Alan Pace was born in the United States in 1968. He pursued his higher education at the University of California, where he studied Latin American Studies, before going on to earn an MBA in International Finance from IESE Business School in Spain. With a solid foundation in finance, Pace embarked on a successful career in the banking and financial services industry. He worked for several prestigious firms, including Citigroup, where he gained extensive experience in the world of investment banking, particularly in the areas of prime finance and securities services.
Pace’s transition from the financial world to football ownership was driven by his passion for the sport and the opportunities he saw in the football industry. His experience in finance, combined with his interest in football, made him well-equipped to venture into sports investments.
Alan Pace Business Ventures and Net Worth
Pace’s career in finance allowed him to accumulate significant wealth. His net worth is estimated to be in the range of £190 million, though this figure is debated, with some experts suggesting that his personal wealth might be less substantial compared to other football club owners. His wealth primarily comes from his involvement in financial services and his ownership stakes in football clubs.
In addition to his financial career, Pace is the founder of ALK Capital, an investment firm that specializes in sports and media ventures. Through ALK Capital, Pace has invested in several football clubs, including Burnley F.C. in the English Premier League and RCD Espanyol in Spain. His acquisition of these clubs has drawn attention due to his relatively modest wealth compared to other high-profile owners in the sport, raising questions about the sustainability of his model in the competitive world of football.
Burnley F.C.: The First Major Venture
In December 2020, Pace and ALK Capital acquired a controlling stake in Burnley F.C., a Premier League club based in the north of England. This was a landmark moment for Pace, as it marked his first major entry into football ownership. He took over as the club’s chairman, with plans to revitalize the club and steer it through the competitive pressures of the Premier League.
Under Pace’s leadership, Burnley faced several challenges, including the financial constraints that come with owning a mid-tier club in one of the world’s richest football leagues. However, Pace has adopted a long-term approach to managing the club, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and gradual growth. He has been involved in the day-to-day operations of the club, making managerial changes, restructuring the team, and focusing on developing the club’s infrastructure.
Despite Burnley’s relegation from the Premier League in the 2022–2023 season, Pace has remained committed to the club, promising to invest in its future and rebuild it for a potential return to the top flight. His hands-on approach to Burnley has earned him praise from some quarters, though critics have pointed to the financial challenges the club faces under his ownership.
Expansion Into Spain: The Acquisition of RCD Espanyol
In 2025, Pace and ALK Capital expanded their football empire by acquiring a majority stake in RCD Espanyol, a football club based in Barcelona, Spain. The acquisition of Espanyol marked a significant step in Pace’s strategy to create a multi-club ownership model, with Burnley and Espanyol now both under the control of his investment group.
The acquisition of Espanyol has been met with both excitement and skepticism. Some football experts believe that Pace’s financial model, which focuses on long-term growth and fiscal discipline, could help Espanyol achieve success, while others question whether the relatively modest financial backing of ALK Capital can compete with the massive wealth of other clubs in Spain. However, Pace has been clear in his intentions to respect the identity and heritage of Espanyol, stating that the club’s leadership and decision-making processes will remain independent from those of Burnley.
Philosophy and Approach to Football Ownership
Alan Pace’s approach to football ownership is rooted in his background in finance. Unlike some other football club owners who come from wealthy families or have acquired their wealth through other means, Pace’s financial acumen and strategic approach to managing clubs set him apart. He has been described as a “steward” of the clubs he owns, focusing on sustainable growth, long-term success, and financial responsibility.
Pace has made it clear that he is not in football for short-term profits or to make a quick exit. Instead, he is focused on building clubs that are well-run, both financially and operationally. This approach has been tested at Burnley, where Pace has had to balance the financial constraints of a smaller club with the need to remain competitive in the Premier League. His ability to manage the club’s finances, along with his investment in infrastructure, is seen as a key factor in Burnley’s long-term success.
With the acquisition of Espanyol, Pace’s vision for multi-club ownership is starting to take shape. His goal is to create a network of clubs that can benefit from shared resources, knowledge, and scouting systems, while maintaining their own identities and cultures. This model has become increasingly popular among football investors, and Pace is positioning himself as a key player in this emerging trend.
Alan Pace Challenges and Criticism
Despite his successes, Alan Pace has faced criticism, particularly regarding the financial constraints under which Burnley operates. Some have questioned whether his approach, which focuses on fiscal discipline and long-term investment, is enough to compete with the wealth of other Premier League clubs. Relegation from the Premier League in the 2022–2023 season raised further doubts about Pace’s ability to lead Burnley back to the top flight, though he has vowed to invest in the club’s future.
The acquisition of Espanyol has also raised concerns about the potential conflicts of interest involved in owning two clubs in different countries. However, Pace has stated that both clubs will operate independently, and he has committed to ensuring that there will be no issues with UEFA’s rules regarding multi-club ownership.
Alan Pace Personal Life and Beliefs
While Alan Pace is a private individual, some details about his personal life have emerged. He is a devout Mormon, and his faith plays an important role in his life. Pace’s religious beliefs are something he holds dear, and they influence his approach to business and ownership. However, his faith has not been a major public focus, and Pace tends to keep his personal beliefs separate from his professional life.
Pace is married, and he has children, though he has largely kept his family life out of the public eye. His personal wealth is often tied to his business ventures, particularly his role in ALK Capital, which he founded and continues to lead.
Conclusion
Alan Pace is a businessman who has made a significant mark on the world of football ownership. Through his investment firm ALK Capital, he has acquired Burnley F.C. and RCD Espanyol, and his approach to managing these clubs reflects his background in finance and strategic thinking. Pace’s focus on long-term growth, financial sustainability, and respect for club heritage has set him apart from other football club owners.
Despite facing challenges, particularly regarding the financial constraints at Burnley, Pace’s approach has been largely praised for its realism and prudence. As his multi-club ownership model evolves, it will be interesting to see how Pace continues to influence the world of football and whether his strategy proves successful in the long term.