Who Owns Aston Villa FC: Top Shareholders

Aston Villa is more than a Premier League club. It is a historic institution shaped by ambition, reinvention, and a fiercely loyal fan base that has carried it for over a century. The journey from a local Birmingham team to a global football brand has been marked by dramatic highs, difficult lows, and bold decisions behind the scenes. In recent years, fans have increasingly asked who owns Aston Villa as the club pushes toward larger goals and a stronger financial footing.

Key Takeaways

• Aston Villa is fully owned by V Sports S.C.S., the holding company controlled by billionaire investors Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens.
• Sawiris and Edens jointly hold the majority stake in V Sports (around 69% combined), giving them full operational and strategic control of the club.
• Atairos, a U.S.-based investment firm, owns roughly 31% as a minority shareholder, providing financial backing without controlling football decisions.
• The current ownership model ensures strong financial stability, long-term investment, and modern governance, positioning Aston Villa for sustained Premier League and European growth.

Aston Villa FC Overview

Aston Villa is one of the oldest and most decorated football clubs in England. Its identity has been shaped by early innovation, strong community roots, and landmark achievements that helped define the sport itself. Over time, the club evolved from a local Birmingham team into a global football institution known for its historic Villa Park stadium, iconic claret-and-blue kit, and passionate fan culture.

As of November 2025, Aston Villa stands as a revitalized Premier League competitor with modern facilities, elite-level ambitions, and a growing international presence driven by strategic ownership and renewed sporting vision.

Founders and Origin

Aston Villa was founded on November 21, 1874, by four members of the Villa Cross Wesleyan Chapel cricket team: Jack Hughes, Frederick Matthews, Walter Price, and William Scattergood. These men were looking for a winter sport to stay active during cricket’s off-season, leading them to form what would become one of England’s most influential football clubs.

The club’s early years were shaped heavily by George Ramsay, a Scottish footballer who introduced a more organized passing style at a time when English teams mainly relied on dribbling and physical play. Ramsay later became secretary-manager and helped establish Aston Villa as a powerhouse in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Aston Villa moved to Villa Park in 1897, a stadium that quickly became one of the grandest in England. The club embraced the claret and blue colors that still define its visual identity today. Villa also developed a reputation for professionalism and administrative leadership, contributing significantly to the development of English football governance.

Major Milestones

• 1874: Aston Villa Football Club is founded by four members of the Villa Cross Wesleyan Chapel cricket team, beginning its rise as a Midlands sporting institution.
• 1879: The club wins its first trophy, the Birmingham Senior Cup, signalling early regional dominance.
• 1887: Villa wins its first FA Cup, defeating West Bromwich Albion and announcing itself as a national contender.
• 1888: Aston Villa director William McGregor spearheads the creation of the Football League. Villa becomes one of the 12 founding members of the league system that still exists today.
• 1894: Secures its first Football League First Division title, marking the start of a golden era.
• 1895–97: Wins two more league titles and another FA Cup, firmly establishing the club as one of England’s top teams.
• 1897: Moves into Villa Park, one of the most iconic football stadiums in the country, which becomes the club’s permanent home.
• 1905: Wins another FA Cup, continuing early 20th-century success across multiple competitions.
• 1909–10: Claims another First Division title, maintaining momentum as one of England’s most successful clubs before World War I.
• 1957: Wins the FA Cup, becoming the first team in the modern era to do so at Wembley after its redevelopment.
• 1961: Wins the inaugural League Cup, becoming the first champions of the newly created competition.
• 1975: Achieves promotion back to the First Division, laying the foundation for the most successful modern period in club history.
• 1981: Wins the First Division title under Ron Saunders, ending more than 70 years without a league championship.
• 1981–82: Captures the European Cup, defeating Bayern Munich in Rotterdam. Later adds the European Super Cup, achieving the club’s greatest international success.
• 1992: Becomes a founding member of the Premier League, joining the new era of top-flight English football.
• 1993: Finishes second in the Premier League’s inaugural season, narrowly missing the title.
• 1994 & 1996: Wins two more League Cups, reinforcing its competitive presence during the 1990s.
• 2015–16: Suffers relegation from the Premier League after years of instability, marking a significant turning point in the club’s modern history.
• 2018: Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens acquire a controlling interest, restructuring the club’s finances and sporting operations.
• 2018–19: Wins the Championship Play-Off Final at Wembley, returning to the Premier League after a three-year absence.
• 2021: Opens the refurbished Bodymoor Heath training complex, strengthening Villa’s long-term player development and infrastructure.
• 2024: Qualifies for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in more than four decades, symbolizing the club’s modern revival and ambition under new ownership.
• 2025: Begins major Villa Park redevelopment planning and expansion work, aiming to modernize the stadium, increase capacity, and strengthen matchday revenue as part of the club’s long-term growth strategy.

Who Owns Aston Villa FC in 2025?

Aston Villa is owned through a multi-layered investment structure controlled by global investors who bring significant financial strength and strategic vision.

As of November 2025, the club is fully owned by V Sports S.C.S., a sports investment holding company led by Egyptian billionaire Nassef Sawiris and American billionaire Wes Edens. Their partnership provides the majority of capital, influence, and decision-making power.

In 2023–2024, the U.S. private investment firm Atairos joined as a minority partner, adding financial depth to the ownership group. This blend of global capital and strategic expertise forms the foundation of Aston Villa’s modern resurgence and long-term growth.

Parent Company: V Sports S.C.S.

V Sports S.C.S. is the holding company through which Aston Villa is owned and controlled. It acts as the legal and financial parent of the club and is the entity through which all shareholders — majority and minority — hold their stakes.

As of November 2025, V Sports owns 100% of Aston Villa, meaning every share of the football club is controlled through this single structure.

V Sports was created in 2018 to consolidate the investment made by Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens into Aston Villa. In 2023–2024, the company admitted a minority investor (Atairos), which changed the internal share distribution but did not change the fact that V Sports fully owns Aston Villa.

As of 2025, the internal shareholding of V Sports — which directly translates into ownership of Aston Villa — is structured approximately as follows:

• Nassef Sawiris: ~34–35%
• Wes Edens: ~34–35%
• Atairos: ~31%.

This means Aston Villa’s ownership is divided into these same proportions, because V Sports is the sole shareholder of the club.

V Sports is not a passive holding. It is the entity that:

• Registers ownership with the Premier League
• Holds all club shares
• Approves large financial investments
• Controls top-level governance and board composition
• Determines strategic planning, including stadium expansion and funding
• Manages accountability to league financial rules.

Sawiris and Edens use V Sports as the platform from which they exercise majority decision-making power. Their combined stake gives them over 68% control, making them the undisputed controlling owners of the club.

Below is a list of the shareholders of V Sports who ultimately own Aston Villa FC:

Nassef Sawiris

Nassef Sawiris is the most prominent individual figure in the club’s ownership. He is an Egyptian billionaire whose stakes and responsibilities have grown steadily since the takeover phase.

As of November 2025, Sawiris holds around 34–35% of V Sports equating to effective control of Aston Villa.

In his role as Executive Chairman of the club, he has responsibility for strategic direction: major infrastructure projects (such as the stadium redevelopment), oversight of commercial expansion, approval of senior football-executive appointments, and financial input into the club’s operations. His presence shapes long-term ambition rather than day‐to‐day management.

Under his leadership, Villa has pursued major upgrades in training facilities, ramped up transfers and coaching staff investment, and positioned itself for European competition.

His influential control also means that although the club is owned by V Sports, he acts as the de facto most senior person ensuring that the club’s trajectory aligns with the owners’ stated goals.

Wes Edens

Wes Edens is the American co-majority owner alongside Nassef Sawiris. He holds approximately 34–35% of V Sports (matching or very close to Sawiris) as of November 2025.

Edens brings a strong background in private equity, infrastructure investment, and sports franchise ownership (for example, with the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks). His role focuses heavily on commercial development, global brand strategy, and structuring the club to maximize long-term financial sustainability.

At Aston Villa, Edens works behind the scenes to secure partnerships, grow the club’s revenue streams, enhance international reach, and reinforce the infrastructure platform on which the football side is built.

While Sawiris drives the strategic board-level vision, Edens ensures that the investment and operational architecture are in place to deliver that vision. Together, the two form a pair that provides both capital and strategic leadership.

Atairos

Atairos is a U.S.-based private investment firm that joined as a minority shareholder in V Sports in December 2023 (with the deal finalized around April 2024).

At that time, Atairos’ stake was 20% of V Sports. Subsequently, by October 2024, Atairos’ stake had increased to approximately 31.1%.

As of November 2025, its stake is around 31.1%.

Although Atairos does not hold a majority and thus does not control the club, its significant minority stake means it contributes materially to capital raises, governance discipline, financial backing, and strategic oversight. The presence of an institutional investor like Atairos adds credibility, deepens the financial base, and signals that Aston Villa under V Sports is positioned for growth rather than just short-term winning.

Atairos’ role involves less day-to-day sporting decision-making and more of a governance and investment oversight dimension. They help ensure that the club’s major investment projects, commercial strategies, and infrastructure commitments are backed by the necessary capital and oversight.

Aston Villa FC Ownership History

Aston Villa’s ownership journey reflects the evolution of English football itself — from community-led committees to individual chairmen, then to international billionaires and modern investment groups. Each era shaped the club’s identity, financial strength, and competitive direction.

Early Ownership and Committee Era (1874–1960s)

In its earliest years, Aston Villa was run like many Victorian-era clubs — not by a single owner, but by committees of members, early directors, and elected administrators.

The founders — Jack Hughes, Frederick Matthews, Walter Price, and William Scattergood — oversaw a club that operated more like a community institution than a commercial enterprise.

During these decades, leadership revolved around local businessmen and elected board members. One of the most influential figures was William McGregor, who helped establish the Football League in 1888 while serving as a Villa director.
Ownership at this time was dispersed, with the club functioning as a traditional football association driven by administrators rather than commercial investors.

The Doug Ellis Era (1968–2006)

Aston Villa entered its first major “owner era” when Doug Ellis became chairman in 1968. Ellis bought significant shares and eventually controlled the largest individual stake in the club.

His first spell ended in 1975 before returning in 1980, guiding the club through major changes. While the European Cup win in 1982 came under Ron Saunders and Tony Barton, Ellis’s influence over finance and structure was strong and sometimes controversial.

By the 1990s, he had again consolidated control and oversaw the club into the Premier League era. Ellis became known for tight financial management, frequent managerial changes, and holding a decisive voting position on the board.

The Randy Lerner Takeover (2006–2016)

In 2006, Aston Villa transitioned from local ownership to foreign investment when American businessman Randy Lerner purchased the club for about £62.6 million.

Lerner brought significant restructuring, modernized commercial departments, and backed the club heavily in the transfer market during the Martin O’Neill era. Villa finished regularly inside the Premier League’s top six between 2006 and 2010.

However, after financial challenges and tightening Premier League regulations, Lerner’s investment slowed. The club declined, ultimately suffering relegation in 2016.

Lerner put the club up for sale long before relegation and officially stepped away after completing the sale in 2016.

The Tony Xia Period (2016–2018)

Chinese businessman Tony Xia purchased Aston Villa in 2016 after relegation to the Championship.

Initially, Xia pledged ambitious spending and rapid promotion, but financial instability soon emerged.

By 2018, Aston Villa faced severe financial strain, nearly breaching financial rules and suffering cash-flow issues following a failed promotion attempt.

The crisis forced Xia to seek new investors, eventually leading to a major ownership transition.

The Arrival of Sawiris & Edens (2018–2019)

In July 2018, Egyptian billionaire Nassef Sawiris and American billionaire Wes Edens (under their investment vehicle NSWE – later renamed V Sports) acquired a 55% majority stake in Aston Villa.

Their investment immediately stabilized the club, resolving financial issues and injecting new capital into operations, infrastructure, and squad building.
Just one year later, in August 2019, Sawiris and Edens bought out the remaining shares from Tony Xia, taking 100% ownership of the club through V Sports.

This shift marked the beginning of Aston Villa’s modern era: financially secure, globally connected, and strategically ambitious.

Atairos Joins as Minority Partner (2023–2024)

In late 2023 and early 2024, the U.S.-based institutional investor Atairos acquired a minority stake in V Sports, becoming a strategic financial partner.

This investment strengthened the ownership group’s financial base and supported long-term projects such as stadium redevelopment, commercial expansion, and infrastructure upgrades.

Despite being a minority partner, Atairos does not control football decisions but provides significant capital and governance support.

Current Ownership Structure (2025)

As of 2025, Aston Villa is 100% owned by V Sports S.C.S., with internal share distribution approximately:

• Nassef Sawiris: ~34–35%
• Wes Edens: ~34–35%
• Atairos: ~31%.

Sawiris and Edens retain full control of strategic decisions, while Atairos acts as a supportive minority investor ensuring long-term financial strength.
This structure marks the most stable and ambitious ownership era in Aston Villa’s modern history.

Nassef Sawiris Net Worth

Nassef Sawiris remains one of the wealthiest and most influential businessmen in Africa and the Middle East. His net worth is valued at $8.5 billion as of November 2025, reflecting changes in global markets, fluctuations in the chemical and construction sectors, and adjustments in his private holdings.

Primary Sources of Wealth

Sawiris’ wealth is built on decades of involvement in construction, industrial manufacturing, and global investment. His family conglomerate, the Orascom Group, has been a dominant force in Egypt’s economy for generations. Much of his fortune comes from his substantial stake in OCI N.V., a major nitrogen-fertilizer and chemicals company listed in Amsterdam.

Beyond this, he controls or holds influential positions in companies across construction materials, cement production, infrastructure development, and industrial technology. His portfolio extends into private equity, global real estate, and long-term investment holdings. These diversified assets give him financial resilience and the liquidity needed to engage in large-scale sports ownership.

Recent Valuation Changes

The shift to an estimated $8.5 billion net worth in late 2025 reflects real market factors. Global fertilizer and industrial chemicals faced volatile pricing cycles, leading to valuation adjustments in major producers like OCI.

Additionally, macroeconomic shifts in Europe and the Middle East reshaped market capitalization across the sectors in which Sawiris is heavily invested.

Despite these fluctuations, his overall wealth remains stable compared to long-term trends. His influence is not solely tied to market cycles but also to private assets, long-standing equity positions, and investments not fully reflected in public valuations.

Business Influence and Global Investments

Sawiris’ investment reach spans multiple continents. His entrepreneurial approach emphasizes long-term strategic control rather than short-term trades. He has key positions in technology, climate infrastructure, energy-efficient manufacturing and high-value industrial partnerships.

His portfolio includes international real estate, startup investments, and seats on influential global boards. This breadth of involvement allows him to diversify risk and maintain strong financial footing even during downturns in specific sectors.

Role of Wealth in Aston Villa Ownership

As the leading figure behind V Sports and the Executive Chairman of Aston Villa, Sawiris’ personal wealth plays a critical role in the stability and ambitions of the club. His financial strength enables multi-year investment commitments—from squad-building to youth development and infrastructure.

Under his leadership, Aston Villa has:

• modernized operations
• expanded training facilities
• secured top managerial talent
• strengthened recruitment structures
• planned major stadium redevelopment projects.

His approach to ownership mirrors his corporate philosophy: long-term, sustainable, and growth-oriented. The consistency of his wealth ensures the club does not rely on aggressive debt, short-term funding, or unstable financial models.

Impact on Long-Term Club Strategy

Sawiris’ net worth gives Aston Villa confidence during financial reforms and regulations, such as the Premier League’s PSR and UEFA’s financial rules. His ability to inject capital when necessary makes Villa more competitive both on and off the pitch.

With a net worth of $8.5 billion, he remains fully capable of supporting Aston Villa through large infrastructure projects, long-term sporting strategy, and global expansion initiatives. His financial backing helps create a balanced environment where football success, revenue growth, and regulatory compliance work together rather than conflict.

Aston Villa FC Net Worth

As of November 2025, Aston Villa’s net worth stands at $900 million, placing the club firmly within the upper tier of Premier League valuations. This figure represents the combined value of the club’s sporting assets, infrastructure, commercial strength, intellectual property, global brand, and long-term revenue potential.

The journey to a $900 million net worth is the result of strategic decision-making, increased sporting performance, and carefully managed financial expansion. Between 2016 and 2018, Aston Villa faced severe financial distress, limited commercial activity, and a struggling squad. The takeover by Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens in 2018 reversed this trajectory.

Under their leadership, Aston Villa rebuilt every aspect of its football and business operations—improving squad quality, stabilizing the wage structure, reshaping the academy pipeline, and investing in facilities. By returning to the Premier League in 2019 and maintaining consistent top-half finishes, the club re-entered high-value financial territory.

Increased participation in UEFA competitions after 2023 accelerated this growth. European qualification increased visibility, sponsorship pricing power, and player market values, creating a compounding effect that lifted the club’s overall valuation toward the $900 million benchmark.

Revenue Streams Driving the Club’s Value

Broadcasting revenue continues to be Aston Villa’s single largest source of income. Premier League broadcast payments alone account for hundreds of millions of dollars annually, and European participation adds prize money, performance bonuses, and international broadcast rights.

Commercial revenue has expanded dramatically under V Sports. New global sponsors in technology, finance, and lifestyle sectors have signed long-term deals with the club. The value of these deals has increased as Aston Villa’s global audience grows. Retail operations, particularly online merchandising, have experienced year-over-year revenue boosts as the club’s fan base expands across North America and Asia.

Matchday revenue remains a pillar of the club’s finances. High attendance rates, premium hospitality packages, and improved concession offerings contribute significantly to annual cash flow. Villa Park has become one of the most consistent stadium revenue generators outside the Premier League’s traditional giants.

Asset Value and Infrastructure Investments

A significant portion of Aston Villa’s $900 million valuation is linked to its physical and intellectual assets. Villa Park, even before redevelopment, holds substantial market value due to its location, capacity, and historic significance. With planned expansion and modernization underway in 2025, the stadium’s projected long-term value is set to increase further.

Bodymoor Heath, the club’s training complex, has undergone major upgrades, transforming it into one of England’s most advanced high-performance environments. This includes expanded sports science facilities, upgraded academy pitches, modern analytics suites, and athlete rehabilitation centers. These improvements increase the long-term valuation of the club’s operational assets and enhance the resale value of homegrown talent.

Squad Valuation and Sporting Assets

Aston Villa’s playing squad is one of the club’s most valuable assets. In 2018, the squad’s combined valuation was among the lowest in the Premier League. As of 2025, the squad’s market value has increased markedly due to smarter recruitment, higher-quality coaching, and more effective trading strategies.

Key players are now valued at premium levels, and the club has adopted a model of signing players with upward market potential, increasing the resale value of the squad as a whole. The academy has also strengthened, producing players who either join the first team or generate transfer income.

Brand Value, Global Influence, and Media Presence

A major factor in the club’s rise to a $900 million valuation is its improved global recognition. Aston Villa’s presence in the United States has grown significantly due to Wes Edens’ connections and the increased broadcast reach of the Premier League. The club’s digital footprint, especially on social platforms, has expanded by double-digit percentages.

The European qualification of 2024 and subsequent seasons boosted the club’s international visibility. This translated into higher merchandising demand, more lucrative international partnerships, and increased fan engagement from regions where the Premier League has a growing audience. Brand strength plays a crucial role in determining long-term valuation, and Aston Villa’s brand is in its strongest position in decades.

Financial Sustainability and Compliance Strength

Aston Villa’s $900 million valuation is supported by a disciplined financial model. The club has embraced sustainable spending, balancing transfer investments with strategic sales, controlling wage inflation, and ensuring compliance with Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules.

This approach keeps the club protected from penalties and ensures long-term financial integrity. Importantly, the financial strength of majority owners Sawiris and Edens provides stability—allowing the club to invest confidently in infrastructure, youth development, and commercial expansion without relying on excessive debt.

Looking ahead, Aston Villa appears well-positioned to cross the $1 billion valuation mark within the next few years. Continued participation in European competitions, the completion of the Villa Park redevelopment, further commercial growth, and sustained on-pitch success will likely push the club into the ranks of the world’s most valuable football franchises.

Aston Villa Leadership

Aston Villa’s leadership structure in 2025 reflects a modern football organization built on clear coordination between ownership, business management and football operations. The Executive Chairman sets the long-term vision, while senior executives oversee commercial growth, infrastructure projects and global strategy.

On the sporting side, dedicated football directors manage recruitment, development and performance. Together, this leadership framework supports the club’s ambition to compete at the highest level while remaining financially strong and globally focused.

The leadership team at Villa in 2025 is characterised by three aligned elements: a long-term owner/visionary (Sawiris), a business-oriented executive (Calvo), and a football-oriented sporting strategist (Olabe).

Together, they drive the club’s ambition to move beyond domestic stability and into European competitiveness and global brand growth.

Their strategic impact is seen in the club’s improved infrastructure, stronger commercial deals, elevated squad investment and higher global profile. The leadership team also ensures resilience—balancing sporting ambition with financial sustainability and regulatory compliance.

Executive Chairman

The Executive Chairman of Aston Villa is Nassef Sawiris. He holds ultimate responsibility for the strategic direction of the club, acting as the senior link between the owners (via their holding company) and the operational leadership.

In his role, he sets the long-term vision of the club, approves major infrastructure investments (such as stadium redevelopment), oversees board appointments, and ensures financial stability. His involvement means that the club’s leadership is guided by an owner who combines business experience with sporting ambition.

President of Business Operations

In June 2025, Aston Villa appointed Francesco Calvo as President of Business Operations. Calvo joined from major European football clubs and now leads commercial strategy, revenue growth, matchday operations, global brand development and operational governance at the club.

His remit includes negotiating sponsorship deals, expanding international markets, improving fan engagement and enhancing the stadium and hospitality experience. This role is pivotal in translating the club’s sporting success into sustainable business growth.

President of Football Operations

In September 2025, Aston Villa announced that Roberto Olabe would take on the role of President of Football Operations, replacing his predecessor. Olabe brings extensive sporting director experience from European clubs and is tasked with overseeing recruitment strategy, scouting networks, youth development alignment, and football analytics.

He works closely with the Head Coach and other sporting staff to build the squad, make transfer decisions, and set the club’s playing identity. His appointment signals a strengthening of the sporting leadership layer at Villa.

Sporting Director / Director of Football Operations

Supporting the President of Football Operations is the Director of Football Operations, Damian Vidagany, who manages the day-to-day football business. Vidagany’s responsibilities include liaising with the academy, leading scouting operations, managing performance data, and supporting player development across the club’s age groups.

He provides continuity and operational oversight so that the football strategy conceived at the top flows through execution.

Head Coach

The Head Coach of Aston Villa is Unai Emery, who oversees the first-team squad on a coaching and tactical level. While he is not a traditional “business leader,” his role in club leadership is significant because he influences recruitment strategy, player development, playing style and results—which all feed back into the club’s value, brand and commercial success.

His collaboration with the Presidents and the Directors links the business and sporting sides of the organisation.

Challenges and Opportunities for Leadership

Key challenges for Villa’s leadership include managing the planned redevelopment of Villa Park without destabilising matchday operations; scaling international revenue while preserving the club’s identity and heritage; and integrating football-performance ambitions with prudent financial regulation.

Opportunities lie in expanding international fan engagement, leveraging data analytics in recruitment and performance, and exploiting new revenue streams such as digital content, premium hospitality and brand licensing. The leadership team’s ability to navigate these will determine how far the club rises.

Final Thoughts

The story of who owns Aston Villa is ultimately a story about transformation. The club has shifted from traditional local leadership to modern global investment, with Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens shaping a vision built on stability, data-driven decisions, and long-term competitiveness. Their leadership has brought new resources, new expectations, and a new level of ambition that has elevated the club on and off the pitch. Aston Villa’s rising valuation, improved squad investment, and growing international presence show how ownership can redefine a team’s future. As of 2025, Villa’s identity is rooted in its heritage, but its future is powered by ownership that sees the club not just as a sporting institution—but as a global project with room to grow.

FAQs

Who is the current owner of Aston Villa?

Aston Villa is currently owned by V Sports S.C.S., controlled by majority owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens, with Atairos holding a minority stake.

What is the net worth of Aston Villa’s owners?

As of November 2025, Nassef Sawiris has an estimated net worth of $8.5 billion, while Wes Edens is valued at approximately $2.3 billion. Combined, the ownership group represents more than $11 billion in personal wealth.

What is the origin of the Aston Villa name?

The club is named after the Aston district of Birmingham and the Villa Cross Wesleyan Chapel, where its founders first met and formed the team in 1874.

How many times has Aston Villa won the Premier League?

Aston Villa has never won the Premier League since its creation in 1992. However, the club won the First Division title seven times before the Premier League era.

When did Aston Villa get promoted?

Aston Villa was last promoted to the Premier League in May 2019, after winning the Championship Play-Off Final at Wembley.