KSI buys Dagenham and Redbridge stake: Influencer vows to take Daggers to the Premier League after investment
Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji, better known as YouTuber KSI, has become a shareholder and "strategic partner" in National League South side Dagenham and Redbridge; KSI joins former England striker Andy Carroll in owning shares in the Daggers
Tuesday 3 March 2026 19:33, UK
Influencer KSI has vowed to take Dagenham and Redbridge to the Premier League after buying a stake and becoming a partner of the sixth-tier club.
The YouTuber, who has more than 17 million subscribers on the platform, joins the club as a shareholder and "most significant strategic partnership to date", the club announced on Tuesday.
Sky Sports News understands KSI has bought a 20 per cent minority stake in the club.
KSI already has some previous involvement in football after serving as the president of Baller League UK since its inception in 2025.
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The 32-year-old, real name Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji, joins former England forward Andy Carroll in owning shares in the club, with the 37-year-old joining the National League South side as a player at the start of the season.
"With this club I want to do the unthinkable. I want to take Dagenham and Redbridge to the Premier League," KSI said in a video announcing the move.
"It's obviously going to take time but, realistic stages, getting out of this league and entering the National League we need to improve the team.
"I have some additions to really take it to another level and I want to build the community. I want to be the man that can affect things on the pitch as well as off the pitch."
In February, the investment group Happy Fan Group led by John Grabowski completed its own takeover of the Daggers, who currently are mid-table but five points off the play-off spots.
Speaking following confirmation of KSI's investment, Grabowski said: "Having JJ as a shareholder in Dagenham and Redbridge is transformative for the club. His passion for disruption, connections with people, and motivation to succeed perfectly aligns with the ambition of this Club moving forward.
"This partnership is a clear statement of our intent: to build a truly unique club that is relevant to both its local community and a global audience. We welcome JJ and look forward to working together to deliver a brighter future for the Daggers."
