Real Bedford, an eighth-tier club tucked away in the English football pyramid, has become one of the sport’s most talked-about projects. Its bold plan involves embracing cryptocurrency on a scale few could have imagined, and it’s drawing international attention for the team’s unorthodox path to Premier League heights.
Club owner and hometown podcaster Peter McCormack acquired Real Bedford in 2021 with an audacious promise. He wanted to bring league football to Bedford. Then, in April 2024, Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, co-founders of the Gemini crypto exchange, invested $4.5 million in the club and became co-owners. The twins have a net worth of $2.71 billion.
McCormack’s delight was evident when he said, “The fact the Winklevoss twins are now co-owners is massive. This investment is huge for the town of Bedford.” Tyler Winklevoss echoed that excitement, noting, “We share in Peter’s deep conviction in Bitcoin and its ability to supercharge Real Bedford’s quest to make it into the Premier League.”
Momentum steadily grew once the club integrated a Bitcoin treasury. Players can be paid in Bitcoin, fans can purchase tickets with it, and a five-year sponsorship deal with Gemini further strengthened the finances.
According to McCormack, the backing has “allowed us to continue investing in Bedford and the local community.” He believes that with the twins’ support, the club will keep moving “one league at a time,” never losing sight of bigger dreams.
Gemini inks exclusive deal with Real Bedford FC
— EchoeWeb (@Echoeweb) July 2, 2024
The club, co-owned by Peter McCormack (@PeterMcCormack) and backed by the Winklevoss twins, will receive payments in Bitcoin as part of the deal.
Gemini(@Gemini), the well-known cryptocurrency exchange, just announced a five-year… pic.twitter.com/euuJYBooTR
A possible merger on the horizon?
Talk of merging with nearby Bedford Town has only fueled the buzz. While Bedford Town competes one tier above, Real Bedford sits proudly atop its division. McCormack acknowledges this move would unify resources, but procedural hurdles remain to clear. Bedford Town supporters have asked about team colors and the club’s identity, and McCormack is quick to reassure them that no steps will be taken without input from both fanbases.
It’s not just the men’s side making waves. Real Bedford Ladies have also been climbing in their league, proving the club’s ambitions run wide. From new training facilities to expanded youth and girls’ programs, the blueprint hinges on weaving community engagement into top-tier aspirations.
Despite the fanfare, there is plenty of work left. Some doubt whether rapid promotions are possible, though the club’s leadership remains steadfast. Cameron Winklevoss sums up the optimism: “We’re not just investing in a football club, we’re investing in a dream to bring Premier League football to Bedford.”
Their story might seem straight out of a script (like Hollywood-powered Wrexham), yet Real Bedford is forging ahead. It’s a study in what can happen when global capital and local pride converge on a singular vision. The future now feels incredibly bright for a town once unremarkable in footballing terms.
