The Arsenal co-owner has proven that is not afraid to front up to fans when the going gets tough
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 18: Josh Kroenke, co-chair of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Fulham and Arsenal at Craven Cottage on October 18, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images)
Arsenal co-chairman Josh Kroenke has known to address the fans of his clubs(Image: Vince Mignott/MB Media, Getty Images)
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Arsenal will meet Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, with Josh Kroenke anticipated to be present. Josh, 45, is the son of Stan Kroenke, whose Kroenke Sports and Entertainment group (KSE) became the sole proprietor of Arsenal in August 2018.
Having been joint owners since 2007, Stan subsequently purchased Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov's 30 per cent stake for more than £600m, concluding a protracted battle for ultimate ownership of Arsenal. That elevated the Kroenke's combined holding to 97 per cent.
Josh also holds the position of president of Major League Soccer outfit, Colorado Rapids, and, as with his involvement with the Gunners, he has shown willingness to engage supporters during difficult periods, establishing himself as an intermediary between fans and the hierarchy.
The Denver Nuggets governor came under scrutiny in September 2023 when the Centennial 38 supporters group of the Rapids challenged the Kroenkes in an open letter amid a turbulent spell for the MLS club both on and off the field. Fans were forthright as they highlighted numerous issues, criticising KSE throughout.
They pinpointed insufficient investment in the squad and infrastructure as a principal concern. Additionally, they also alleged inadequate communication with supporters and voiced their frustration at the condition of the Rapids' DICK'S Sporting Goods Park stadium. Josh responded forcefully.
He said: "Off the field, we have already engaged Legends, Civitas, Perkins and Will, and Turner Construction on a number of feasibility studies and analyses around potential infrastructure projects as we assess a future vision for DICK'S Sporting Goods Park and the Club's training environment.
"We are also actively evaluating additional ways to enhance the gameday experience inside and outside the stadium. Over the next few months, we will be finalising the master plan for our exciting Victory Crossing Project.
Josh Kroenke acknowledges the fans after the UEFA Women's Champions League final match between Arsenal WFC v FC Barcelona at Estadio Jose Alvalade.
Arsenal co-chairman Josh Kroenke has known to address the fans of his clubs(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
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"Our supporters will always be the lifeblood of our club. We hear you and we look forward to having an ongoing dialogue with Centennial 38 over their concerns and our plans for the future."
Josh's direct communication with Rapids supporters will evoke parallels for Arsenal fans. Following 16 Gunners supporter groups signing a letter and launching a petition calling on the ownership to show greater commitment and leadership in 2019, it was Kroenke Jr who broke his silence.
Josh addressed supporters head-on once more, transforming Arsenal's trajectory over the following five years. "Is it hard to take? Absolutely," Josh said of the letter.
"But I'm not in this business to make friends, I'm in it to win. If anyone is ever going to question anything about our ownership, which I view as a custodianship, the supporters trust us to be a custodian of the values - that's what we're trying to do. We're trying to win whilst also respecting the values and traditions of the club.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (right) speaks with Arsenal chairman Josh Kroenke
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (right) speaks with Arsenal chairman Josh Kroenke(Image: PA)
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"I've sat down with supporters' groups. I've not been afraid to sit down to have tough conversations with people because I'm transparent, we're transparent, we don't have anything to hide. We all want the same thing and we're all trying aggressively to make it happen."
The Kroenkes delivered on that promise. The club embarked upon a transfer spending spree in the summer of 2025 that may have positioned Mikel Arteta's squad for a remarkable campaign.
Arsenal sit top of the Premier League and have progressed to the Champions League and FA Cup quarter-finals. Should they prevail against Pep Guardiola's side in the League Cup final on Sunday, it could well prove the opening silverware of an extraordinary quadruple this season.
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