Report on Football: The Reason Ed Sheeran Dons Ipswich Town's Number 17 Jersey Despite Absence from Play
Ed Sheeran's Connection with Ipswich Town: A Unique Bond in the English Championship
Ed Sheeran, the globally renowned singer-songwriter, has a special connection with Ipswich Town, the Tractor Boys, who will compete in the English Championship this season.
In August 2024, Sheeran acquired a 1.4% minority stake in the football club, marking the start of a significant relationship between the music star and his local team. This investment came during Ipswich Town's successful promotion to the Premier League in May 2024.
Sheeran's involvement with Ipswich Town as a sponsor began in 2021, and he served as the club's main shirt sponsor until the previous season. When he first became a sponsor, Ipswich Town gifted him the number 17 shirt, a symbolic gesture that marked his birthday, February 17, 1991. Since then, Sheeran has owned the number 17 shirt, a jersey that has become the most popular among all player shirts at Ipswich Town for the past four seasons.
During Ipswich Town's 2024 Premier League campaign, Sheeran's number 17 was not used due to Premier League rules. However, the club did not assign the number to anyone else as an unofficial tribute to Sheeran. Since becoming a sponsor, Sheeran has been officially listed as Ipswich's number 17 every season.
Sheeran's association with Ipswich Town brings heightened visibility and commercial appeal to the club, leveraging his international fame to boost its profile. His role as shirt sponsor for multiple seasons suggests ongoing financial support. Additionally, Sheeran's personal engagement—such as contacting players after key matches—reflects his emotional investment in the club's community and morale.
As of August 2025, Sheeran still holds his minority stake (1.4%) and maintains a symbolic presence, including being assigned the team jersey number 17. Despite no longer being the shirt sponsor beyond the 2024/2025 season, his ownership status remains active and publicly affirmed.
This relationship highlights a rare example of a globally successful artist investing personally and financially in his local football club, contributing both economically and culturally to Ipswich Town. The story showcases the blend of passion, celebrity influence, and smart marketing creating a unique bond between Sheeran and Ipswich Town.
Ipswich Town will aim to regain their Premier League spot in the English Championship this season, with Sheeran's support and the popular "Sheeran 17" jersey cheering them on.
- Ed Sheeran's investment and sponsorship of Ipswich Town have not only boosted the football club's profile but also brought it a unique blend of entertainment, news, and music, as the famous singer-songwriter has leveraged his international fame for their benefit.
- In addition to Ipswich Town's attempts to regain their Premier League spot, the English Championship season promises a mix of football entertainment and sports news, heightened by the presence of Sheeran's significant involvement with the team.
- The music-loving football fans can expect to wear the popular "Sheeran 17" jersey this season, further strengthening the connection between entertainment, music, and sports, as represented by the bond between Ed Sheeran and Ipswich Town.
