
Simon Jordan is an English businessman known for his diverse ventures in magazines, television, radio, film production, and sports. He is perhaps best recognized for his time as owner and chairman of Crystal Palace F.C., as well as for co-founding the successful mobile phone business Pocket Phone Shop.
Despite his high-profile business career, Simon Jordan’s current net worth is uncertain, with estimates ranging widely due to the highs and lows of his financial journey. Here is a look of Simon Jordan net worth.
Early Life and Background
Simon Jordan was born into a footballing family. His father, Peter Jordan, was a professional player for Crystal Palace, a club that currently competes in the Premier League. Growing up in this environment gave Simon early exposure to business and sports, shaping his ambitions.
As a young athlete, Jordan signed schoolboy contracts with Chelsea F.C. and Crystal Palace F.C., which helped him gain insight into professional football and the structure of club ownership from an early age.
Business Career
Pocket Phone Shop
Alongside business partner Andrew Briggs, Jordan co-founded Pocket Phone Shop with an initial investment of £15,000 each. The company grew rapidly to become the second-largest independent mobile phone retailer in the UK, operating over 150 stores nationwide.
Jordan sold the business to One2One for £73 million, personally earning £36.5 million from the deal. One2One was later rebranded as T-Mobile, marking a significant milestone in Jordan’s business career.
Crystal Palace F.C.
Using his earnings from Pocket Phone Shop, Jordan purchased Crystal Palace F.C. in July 2000, becoming the youngest chairman in Football League history. The purchase was facilitated through a company called CPFC 2000 Ltd., set up by businessman Jerry Lim, which Jordan acquired for £10 million.
However, his tenure as owner was financially challenging. By January 2010, Crystal Palace went into administration, and Jordan reportedly lost over £50 million during his 10 years in charge, largely due to mounting debts and failed attempts to sell the club.
Financial Challenges
Jordan’s wealth has fluctuated over the years. He has openly discussed financial losses:
- Lost millions due to the Spanish and American real estate market crashes.
- A £4 million investment with Lehman Brothers was reduced to £2 million.
- In 2018, he was robbed at gunpoint for a watch worth £135,000.
As a result, estimates of his net worth vary widely. Some suggest it could be as low as $5 million, while others speculate it could be up to $100 million.
Legacy and Recognition
Simon Jordan is best known for:
- Co-founding Pocket Phone Shop, one of the UK’s largest independent mobile phone retailers.
- Owning and chairing Crystal Palace F.C., where he became the youngest Football League chairman in history.
- Being a high-profile figure in English business and football circles, often making headlines for his ventures and outspoken opinions.
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