Wigan Athletic were formed in 1932. They play their home games at the JJB Stadium which was built in 1999 for £30 million pounds. Wigan's success began when local millionaire Dave Whelan took over in 1995. They are currently managed by Steve Bruce.

Wigan only gained promotion to the Championship for the first time in 2003. Then just two seasons later they finished second in the league to gain promotion to the Premiership. In their first season they proved all the critics wrong by finishing in the top half and reaching the final of the league cup.