American brothers worth £2.1 billion invest millions into eighth-tier English club as Premier League plans revealed

American entrepreneurs the Winklevoss twins have made a significant investment in Real Bedford FC as they look to follow in the footsteps of Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.

Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, from New York, are now the co-owners of Southern League Division One Central side Real Bedford alongside Peter McCormack, a cryptocurrency podcaster who bought the club in 2021.

The identical twins, who are the co-founders of cryptocurrency exchange company Gemini, have a long-term ambition of helping the eighth-tier side reach the Premier League as they continue to progress.

After a superb debut campaign in 2022/23, Rob Sinclair's side have achieved back-to-back promotions and currently sit top of the Southern League Division One Central table with 21 wins from a possible 27.

Now, the Winklevoss twins have officially completed a £3.58 million cash investment in the club, according to Sky Sports, who claim the final documents were signed on Wednesday after full terms were agreed.

Back in April, when a deal in principle was announced, Tyler Winklevoss made his ambitions clear. “We share in Peter’s deep conviction in bitcoin and its ability to supercharge RBFC’s quest to make it into the Premier League," he said.

"Since our first conversation more than two years ago, Peter has proven he knows how to build a successful club and we’re excited to work alongside him as co-owners."

Cameron Winklevoss also suggested they were creating the first-ever football club powered by bitcoin as he explained why they decided to invest.

"Through our bitcoin investment, Real Bedford’s balance sheet will be fortified with the hardest money in the observable universe, giving them advantages on and off the pitch," he wrote in April.

"Real Bedford will serve as a blueprint for how small businesses and underdogs everywhere can create a bedrock of financial stability and supercharge their mission. As governments around the world continue to inflate their currencies, businesses powered by Bitcoin will only grow stronger."

He added: "Peter has a strong WHY. As a lifelong Bedford resident, bringing a Premier League team to Bedford has been a childhood dream of his. His mission is clear and authentic. We love builders who have a strong WHY."

Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss have invested in Real Bedford FC. Image credit: Getty

In addition to the men's team success, Real Bedford Ladies are also on course to achieve promotion to the third tier of women's football.