KSI Shocks Football World with EFL Club Purchase, Sparks Epic 'Race to Division One' Battle
KSI, the globally recognized YouTuber, content creator, recording artist, business mogul and multi-faceted celebrity, has revealed his investment in English football team Dagenham & Redbridge.
Born Olajide Olatunji and commonly called 'J.J.' by friends and associates—KSI has declared his ambition is to ultimately guide Dagenham into the Premier League.
This aspiration mirrors the 'Race to Division One' series he produced during his early YouTube career, where FIFA players would climb from Division 10 at the bottom tier in 'Head to Head Seasons' by securing enough victories to advance through higher divisions. The final objective was Division One—now, in reality, it's the Premier League.
"I'm incredibly thrilled to begin this adventure," KSI shared on X. "It's definitely going to be a wild ride but I aim to restore Dagenham and Redbridge … to their former greatness. For those longtime supporters (Race to Division One), you'll recognize this as a complete circle moment for me."
The east London outfit currently participates in the National League South, the sixth level of English football's structure and one tier below where Wrexham started their remarkable climb under joint ownership of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny.
The Daggers, established as recently as 1992 through a combination of two pre-existing clubs—no mystery about their identities, initially joined the EFL with advancement to League Two in 2007. The squad ultimately reached its highest point with one season in League One during 2010–11, but experienced demotion from the EFL into the National League just five years afterward. Following nine seasons at that tier, Dagenham fell into the National League South at the conclusion of the previous campaign.
I'm so excited to start this journey. It's gonna be a rollercoaster for sure but I hope to bring Dagenham and Redbridge (@Dag_RedFC) back to the glory days. For those of you that are OG fans (Race to Division One), you'll know that this is a full circle moment for me. So join me… pic.twitter.com/GosGKRtPR6
KSI Reveals Dagenham & Redbridge Inspiration, Ambition
KSI Reveals Dagenham & Redbridge Inspiration, Ambition
"Years back, I witnessed the enthusiasm, the elation, the delight," KSI continued in his reveal video. "I want to restore that feeling and then exceed it. With this organization, I want to accomplish the impossible. I want to elevate Dagenham & Redbridge to the Premier League."
Being practical, at least, the 32-year-old acknowledged the venture will "require patience" and the initial objective is achieving promotion back to the National League at the earliest opportunity.
"I understand some of you might be concerned about me being an owner, but I'm accessible. You can simply message me on Twitter, and I'll notice it. I'm easy to reach," he reassured supporters.
KSI's business empire is already extensive, encompassing multiple projects as part of YouTube collective Sidemen, the Prime beverage brand co-founded with Logan Paul, a professional boxing promotion company and his position as president of Baller League UK. His estimated wealth stands at approximately $100 million.
He is "acquiring" Dagenham & Redbridge, though The Athletic has indicated this will be a minority ownership of 20%, pending National League authorization. The club was purchased by investment group Happy Fan Group just two weeks prior.
American entrepreneur John Grabowski leads the ownership consortium, stating at the time: "Our immediate priority is establishing a solid, professional groundwork for the future."
How Soon Can Dagenham & Redbridge Play in the Premier League?
How Soon Can Dagenham & Redbridge Play in the Premier League?
Dagenham & Redbridge currently occupy 13th position in the National League South table, though just five points away from playoff qualification. Should they close that gap and secure promotion to the National League for the upcoming season, the minimum seasons required to reach the Premier League from there would be four—five straight promotions in total. The earliest possibility would be 2030–31.
Though extremely challenging, it may not be unachievable with proper ownership and strategic planning.
Wrexham have demonstrated that substantial investment can propel a team from non-league to Premier League contention remarkably fast. The beginning of the Hollywood ownership in north Wales didn't result in instant success, but a third campaign under Reynolds-McElhenny leadership produced the crucial promotion that has since been followed by two additional consecutive advances.
Currently, despite a sluggish beginning to 2025–26, Wrexham appear positioned to secure a Championship playoff spot, which could place them just three games from Premier League qualification for the first time, having captured the National League title merely three years ago.