Billionaire businessman to take control of Wigan Warriors

Wigan’s two biggest sporting clubs are to have the same owner for the first time in the town’s history.

Local businessman Mike Danson took control of Wigan Athletic last month following major financial issues at the League One club.

And it has now been confirmed that he will become the new owner of rugby league outfit Wigan Warriors.

The news came as it was revealed that Wigan Warriors chairman Ian Lenagan is to stand down at the end of the season after 16 years of Lenagan family ownership of the Club.

Danson will take 100 percent ownership of the club in December following Lenagan’s decision to stand down as chairman and shareholder.

The multi-millionaire founded GlobalData and is also the owner of the New Statesman magazine. The Times ranks him as the 128th richest person in the UK with an estimated personal fortune of £1.17bn.

Ian Lenagan bought Wigan Warriors from Dave Whelan at the end of 2007.

After Shaun Wane was appointed head coach in 2012, he went on to win the League Leaders’ Shield in his first season and then the double in 2013, as well as two more Super League Grand Finals in 2016 and 2018.

He led Wigan to claim the World Club Challenge in a win over Cronulla Sharks at the DW Stadium in 2017.

Throughout the last 14 years he has worked closely with Kris Radlinski as he progressed from rugby general manager  to chief executive.

His other major achievement as owner saw him move the club’s headquarters to Robin Park Arena, creating a centre of excellence for all the teams, backroom and office staff operation under one roof.

Having been involved with a shareholding since summer of 2020, Mike Danson will become 100% owner of Wigan Warriors purchasing the remaining 51% of the Ian Lenagan’s shares.

Prof Chris Brookes will become the club’s new chairman having recently been appointed vice chairman, following on from a 40-year career in the NHS.

Ian Lenagan said: “When the opportunity to own Wigan Warriors appeared I could scarcely believe it. It was always my ideal once I got involved with running London Broncos and I was as keen then to regenerate Wigan’s position of being a standard bearer for excellence in professional sport, on and off the field, as I still am today.

“I am pleased to have been the custodian of Wigan Warriors for 16 years and particularly in its celebratory 150th year. Custodianship also brings the responsibility to find your successor and in Mike Danson, someone I’ve grown to know and like a great deal over the last three years, I believe the Club’s future will be in the best of hands with his history as a long-term supporter of Wigan Warriors. His humility and steel to continue the tradition we all contribute to and appreciate the value of, is based on true Wigan resolve.

“I’d like to thank all of the Wigan staff and that small group of private shareholders that have given everything they have, often at great cost, through challenging times.

“Perhaps the only true test of any retiring ownership is how the club is left for those that come next. With more teams than ever, a world-class training facility, thriving education and community programmes and peace of mind about where we play, I’d like to think that the Club is in a good place, ready to challenge consistently on the field and to play its part in a new future for sport in Wigan and the surrounding area.”

Wigan Warriors chief executive, Kris Radlinski, said: “Transition in any business is very often a sensitive time, but in sport, there appears to be an added level of emotional connection. The handover of ownership from Ian Lenagan to Mike Danson will be a delicate one but one that we are determined to celebrate.

“The role that Ian has played in the last 16 years of ownership is immeasurable. He has invested a huge amount of time and money into one of his life’s great passions, Wigan Warriors Rugby League Club. In doing so, he has overseen Wigan winning 11 trophies and shaped the lives and careers of many players, coaches and employees.

“Ian was determined to hand over the Club to somebody who shares similar values to himself. In Mike Danson, he has found a man who has a strong vision for the Club and in particular the community of Wigan. With the news that Mike now also owns Wigan Athletic, there is a clear directive that Wigan Warriors and Wigan Athletic will work closer together than ever before. We will work hard to give the people of Wigan two sporting teams to be proud of.”

Chris Brookes said: ”I am deeply honoured that I have been appointed Chairman of Wigan Warriors with effect from season 2024. Next year will be my 18th serving the Club and I understand the immense privilege of this role. Rugby League is my passion, having worked in the game for 27 years and I am equally passionate about our wonderful Club. Wigan Warriors means so much to our fans and their families and has such a strong connection to the Wigan Community.”

Mike Danson said “As I have got to know Ian over the past three years it is clear how much this great club means to him and his family. He has been a fantastic custodian of the club and a strong advocate for this wonderful game at all levels. I have thoroughly enjoyed watching the Warriors thrive under Ian’s stewardship, both on and off the pitch, and I’m honoured and grateful to be taking on the responsibility as the club’s custodian.

“We will do everything we can to bring success and honour to the Warriors and to make our loyal supporters proud.”