Stan Kroenke has had a good season on the pitch and therefore his reputation off of it has improved massively as well. After being on shakey ground with Arsenal fans, an unexpected title charge and U-turn in stadium atmosphere has seen his planning come to fruition.
Backing Mikel Arteta through a tough spell where pressure was building, prioritising young players and a new transfer policy lead by sporting director Edu Gaspar have all helped make the current squad one of the most likeable and relatable in years. Although there was no first league title in over 19 years, the progress made was enough for many to rethink their stances on Kroenke.
In 2021 the relationship with supporters reached an all-time low after the European Super League plans were revealed. The full PR recovery from that has not been achieved but few would have predicted Kroenke and his Sports and Entertainment empire would ever come good like this.
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Heading into the summer there is more optimism than there has been for many a year with the belief that a successful set of transfers could elevate the Gunners towards a more consistent position as title challengers. For Kroenke, who has overseen a reshuffle in the boardroom with son, Josh, and former advisor, and lifelong fan Tim Lewis, both given more power.
It has shifted the complexion of the club's running operations and also leaves less for Kroenke to ponder. In that sense, he can now enjoy an eagerly awaited but also crucial fortnight. His USA-based sports franchise, Denver Nuggets, are set to start their NBA finals first game against Miami Heat on Friday morning.
The Nuggets have never won the NBA but have emerged as more consistent challengers in recent years, winning their conference in 2019, 2020 and 2023. They are now looking to go one step further.
Kroenke purchased the franchise in 2000 but had to give over control to Josh in 2010 and relinquished the majority stake in 2014. This is the closest they have ever gotten to winning the competition and it would cap off a fine period for the American.
In 2021 he helped the LA Rams to win the Super Bowl, the first time since 1999, and is now looking for a historic double in ownership terms. Mix this in with the rise of Arsenal this season and it is quite the achievement. As the focus from the football side turns to transfers, Kroenke's ambitions now centre on earning a nice NBA windfall.
Unlike other sporting competitions there is no defined prize money season-on-season but there is still a chunk to be earned. With the players' prize pool funded during the play-offs from gate receipts during the knockout series, it is reported to have around $27m (£21.7m) available this year.
This then gets divided between the teams and therefore the players. Last year it is believed that the losing team received $2.5m (£2.01) and the winners a sizeable $3.8m (£3.06m). Although not as much as is gained in the lucrative European football market, it is a total that Kroenke and Co will be keen to win.
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