Influential KSI has vowed to take Dagenham and Redbridge to the Premier League after buying a stake and becoming a partner of the Sixth Division club.
The YouTuber, who has more than 17 million subscribers on the platform, will join the club as a shareholder in what the club announced on Tuesday in what it called its “most significant strategic partnership to date.”
Sky Sports News understands that KSI has bought a 20 per cent minority stake in the club.
KSI has already had some involvement in football, having served as chairman of Bowler League UK since its creation in 2025.
The 32-year-old, whose real name is Olajide Olinka Williams Olatunji, owns a stake in the club along with former England forward Andy Carroll, and the 37-year-old will join the National League South team as a player at the start of the season.
KSI has vowed to take Dagenham and Redbridge to the Premier League after buying a stake in the Sixth Division club
“I want to do the unthinkable with this club. I want to take Dagenham and Redbridge to the Premier League,” KSI said in the video announcing his move.
“Obviously it will take time, but at a realistic stage we need to get out of this league and into the National League and improve the team.
“We have some additions to really take it to a new level and we want to build community. We want to be a guy who can have an impact not only on the pitch but also off the pitch.”
In February, Happy Fun Group, an investment group led by John Grabowski, completed the purchase of the Daggers, who are currently in the middle of the standings but five points out of a playoff spot.
Following confirmation of KSI’s investment, Grabowski said: “Welcoming JJ as a Dagenham and Redbridge shareholder is transformational for the club. His passion for disruption, connection with people and motivation to succeed are perfectly aligned with this club’s forward ambitions.”
“This partnership is a clear statement of our intent to build a truly unique club that is relevant to both the local community and audiences around the world. We welcome J.J. and look forward to working together to bring a bright future to the Daggers.”
