If you are searching for who owns AFC Bournemouth, the answer is a U.S.-led investment group fronted by billionaire businessman Bill Foley. The club is no longer run by a single local owner. It is part of a wider international football operation. Ownership today brings stronger funding, global exposure, and long-term planning.
Key Takeaways
- AFC Bournemouth is owned 100% by Black Knight Football Club LLC, a U.S.-based ownership group led by billionaire Bill Foley.
- Bill Foley is the controlling owner with an estimated 33% stake in the parent company and full decision-making authority as chairman.
- The remaining ownership is held by Cannae Holdings, private U.S. investors, and Michael B. Jordan, all of whom own the club indirectly through Black Knight.
AFC Bournemouth Profile
AFC Bournemouth is a historic English football club that has transformed from a small regional side into an established Premier League name. Based in Bournemouth on England’s south coast, the club carries the nickname “The Cherries” and plays its home matches at the Vitality Stadium.
As of 2025, the club is part of an American-led multi-club ownership network, which has reshaped its long-term strategy. AFC Bournemouth is recognized for its survival mindset, smart recruitment, and modern management structure. The club continues to balance tradition with international ambition.
Founders and Early Origins
AFC Bournemouth was officially founded in 1899 under the name Boscombe FC. The club was formed from the remains of Boscombe St. John’s Institute Football Club, which had served as a church-based community team in the Boscombe area during the late 1890s.
The founding members were local football enthusiasts and players from the Boscombe district. The early direction of the club was guided by community leaders and volunteers rather than wealthy investors or business owners. Football in the town was informal at first and deeply tied to working-class culture.
One of the most important early figures in the club’s history was J. E. Cooper-Dean, a wealthy businessman and philanthropist based in Bournemouth. His support proved vital. In 1910, he helped secure land near Kings Park, which became Dean Court, the permanent home of the club. Without his intervention, the club may not have survived its early years.
The club moved through several identity changes as it became more formal and professional. In 1923, it became Bournemouth and Boscombe Athletic Football Club when it entered league football. This marked the transition from a local amateur club into a recognized professional organization.
In 1971, the name AFC Bournemouth was adopted. The rebranding aimed to modernize the club and give it a distinct place in English football listings. It also symbolized a renewed push for national recognition.
The nickname “The Cherries” most likely developed from the cherry trees that once stood near the stadium and the club’s red-and-black colors, which visually resembled ripe cherries.
By the middle of the 20th century, AFC Bournemouth had fully evolved into a professional club rooted in local pride but aiming for national relevance.
Major Milestones
- 1899 – The club is formed as Boscombe FC following the collapse of Boscombe St. John’s Institute FC.
- 1900 – Boscombe FC begins competitive play in local leagues across Dorset and Hampshire.
- 1910 – The club secures the Dean Court ground through a benefactor, giving it a permanent home.
- 1913 – The team turns professional and signs its first contracted players.
- 1923 – Renamed Bournemouth and Boscombe Athletic and elected into the Football League Third Division South.
- 1936 – The club reaches the FA Cup quarter-finals for the first time, demonstrating growing national competitiveness.
- 1957 – Bournemouth defeats Manchester United in the FA Cup, creating one of the biggest shocks in competition history.
- 1971 – The club officially adopts the name AFC Bournemouth.
- 1984 – Bournemouth famously beats defending champions Manchester United again in the FA Cup, cementing giant-killer status.
- 1987 – The club wins the Third Division title and earns promotion to the second tier for the first time.
- 1997 – Severe financial problems force restructuring, with the club facing the risk of liquidation.
- 2002 – Relegated to the fourth tier after years of decline.
- 2003 – Gains promotion via the play-offs and avoids collapse through supporter-led financial recovery.
- 2008 – Enters administration again and is deducted points, leading to relegation to League Two.
- 2009 – Eddie Howe returns as manager and oversees a remarkable turnaround.
- 2010 – Promoted to League One after finishing second in League Two.
- 2013 – Promoted to the Championship following another automatic promotion finish.
- 2015 – Wins the Championship and is promoted to the Premier League for the first time.
- 2016 – Survives the Premier League for the first time in club history.
- 2018 – Records the highest league finish in club history.
- 2020 – Relegated from the Premier League after five seasons in the top flight.
- 2022 – Secures promotion back to the Premier League.
- 2022 – Ownership transfers to Black Knight Football Club LLC.
- 2023 – Begins integration into the multi-club structure operated by Bill Foley.
- 2024 – Expands international partnerships and commercial branding.
- 2025 – Continues as a Premier League club with a global investment-driven model.
Who Owns AFC Bournemouth: Major Shareholders
AFC Bournemouth is 100% owned by Black Knight Football Club LLC, a U.S.-based holding group. Inside this parent company, shareholding is divided among several investors. Each shareholder owns a percentage of Black Knight — and since Black Knight owns the club entirely, all shareholders become indirect owners of AFC Bournemouth.
However, control is not equal. Despite owning a minority share, Bill Foley remains the controlling figure because he chairs the group and leads the investment strategy.
Black Knight Football Club LLC – Parent Company of AFC Bournemouth
Black Knight Football Club LLC is the legal owner of AFC Bournemouth. It is a private American investment company focused on football clubs, infrastructure development, and multi-club integration.
The company operates a network model. This means clubs under its control do not operate in isolation. Scouting, analytics, training methods, and commercial partnerships can be shared across the organization.
Black Knight owns 100% of AFC Bournemouth at the company level. There are no external shareholders in the club itself. This gives Black Knight full authority over board appointments, executive hiring, budgeting, and long-term strategy.
As of November 2025, Black Knight holds controlling interests in several international clubs and continues to expand its global football footprint. Bournemouth is the group’s Premier League flagship.
Although there are multiple investors inside Black Knight, the chairman controls direction and decision-making.
Bill Foley – Controlling Shareholder (33%)
Bill Foley is the largest individual shareholder within Black Knight Football Club. He owns around one-third of the holding company and serves as chairman.
Despite not owning a numerical majority, he has effective control. He leads the board. He sets the strategy. He approves major spending. He directs expansion and decides how clubs in the network operate together.
Foley’s authority comes from three sources. Personal shareholding, executive leadership, and influence across the investment group. This combination gives him power that goes beyond percentage ownership.
In practice, Bill Foley is the true owner of AFC Bournemouth.
He does not manage matchday decisions, but every strategic move runs through his office.
Cannae Holdings – Major Institutional Shareholder (40–45%)
Cannae Holdings is a U.S.-based investment company that owns the largest ownership block inside Black Knight outside Bill Foley.
Because Cannae owns up to 45 percent of the holding company, it indirectly owns nearly half of AFC Bournemouth.
However, Cannae does not run football operations. It does not appoint coaches. It does not manage transfers. It does not control the board.
Cannae functions as a financial partner, not a football operator. Its interest is value growth over time. It supports funding. It strengthens capital structure. It provides long-term investment security.
Control remains with the chairman.
Private U.S. Investors – Minority Financial Stake (Approx. 15–20%)
A group of American private investors owns the remaining shareholding inside Black Knight.
Individually, none of them holds significant power. Collectively, they represent a financial support bloc rather than a decision-making force.
Their involvement is investment-based. They do not control operations. They do not vote on football matters. They are passive stakeholders focused on long-term return.
They own part of AFC Bournemouth indirectly, but they do not influence the club’s direction.
Michael B. Jordan – Minority Strategic Shareholder (10%)
Michael B. Jordan owns a small stake in Black Knight Football Club and therefore owns a tiny indirect share of AFC Bournemouth.
He is not part of management. He does not sit on the board. He does not control decisions.
His role is commercial and promotional.
His involvement supports global branding, particularly in the United States. His profile attracts sponsorship attention. It helps the club build recognition outside the UK.
He holds influence only at brand level, not at football or ownership level.
AFC Bournemouth Ownership History
AFC Bournemouth’s ownership has moved through four distinct phases: community control, supporter survival, private ownership, and global investment. For much of its life, the club survived with local backing and limited resources. Financial instability forced repeated restructures.
| Ownership Period | Owner / Control Group | Type of Ownership | Key Role and Actions | Outcome for the Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1899–1996 | Local directors and community leaders | Community-based ownership | Ran the club with limited budgets. Relied on ticket sales and small sponsorships. Focused on survival rather than growth | Club remained professional but financially fragile |
| 1997–2008 | Supporter groups and trustees | Supporter-led ownership | Raised emergency funds. Prevented liquidation. Maintained operations during debt crisis | Club avoided collapse but remained unstable |
| 2009–2011 | Adam Murry | Private individual ownership | Prevented closure, rebuilt finances, appointed Eddie Howe | Football recovery began |
| 2011–2022 | Maxim Demin | Sole private owner | Cleared debt, increased budgets, invested heavily | Premier League promotion and global growth |
| 2022–Present | Black Knight Football Club LLC (Bill Foley led) | Corporate multi-club ownership | Delivered infrastructure investment, global strategy, shared recruitment | Long-term stability and modernization |
Local Ownership and Early Administration (1899–1996)
From its founding until the late 20th century, AFC Bournemouth was managed by local figures and committees. There was no single dominant owner. The club operated as a traditional English lower-league side where directors often volunteered time and resources.
Revenue came almost entirely from matchdays. Sponsorship income was minimal. Broadcasting rights had no meaningful value. Investment in facilities was rare.
During this period, the club frequently struggled with debt. Budgets were tight. Players and managers were sold when finances demanded it. Despite this, Bournemouth maintained professional status and a loyal local following.
Supporter Control and Financial Rescue (1997–2009)
In the late 1990s, AFC Bournemouth entered its most dangerous era. Rising expenses and falling revenue created mounting debt. Directors struggled to secure funding.
Supporters became central to the club’s survival. Fan groups raised funds, promoted community investment, and helped stabilize day-to-day operations. The club briefly operated under a supporter-led rescue structure.
In 2008, the situation collapsed. The club entered administration. Points were deducted. Relegation followed. Liquidation was a real possibility.
In 2009, local businessman Adam Murry completed a rescue takeover. He inherited debt, a restricted budget, and a demoralized squad. His ownership prevented closure but could not fund long-term recovery.
Private Ownership and the Eddie Howe Transformation (2009–2011)
Adam Murry’s tenure coincided with one of the most dramatic football recoveries in English league history. Eddie Howe was appointed at 31 years old, becoming the youngest manager in the Football League.
The club was at the bottom of League Two. Finances were fragile. Transfer budgets were minimal.
Yet promotion came in 2010. Youth development and disciplined recruitment drove results.
However, progress quickly outpaced resources. The club needed new capital to survive higher-level competition.
Maxim Demin Era and Premier League Expansion (2011–2022)
Russian businessman Maxim Demin bought into AFC Bournemouth in 2011 and later became the sole owner. This marked the shift from survival mode to investment mode.
Demin funded recruitment. Infrastructure improved. Outstanding debts were cleared.
Between 2013 and 2015, the club achieved back-to-back promotions. In 2015, Bournemouth reached the Premier League for the first time.
Over five seasons, the club competed at the highest level. Broadcasting revenue surged. Global fan interest grew. Commercial partnerships expanded.
Relegation in 2020 did not reverse progress. The club rebuilt and earned promotion again in 2022.
Demin ultimately decided to sell. The scale of modern football required corporate backing rather than personal funding.
Corporate Ownership Under Black Knight Football Club (2022–Present)
In December 2022, AFC Bournemouth was sold to Black Knight Football Club LLC and became part of a multi-club international structure.
The sale ended private ownership. Governance became corporate. Strategy became global.
Black Knight implemented a data-driven recruitment system. Staff roles were professionalized. Commercial revenue became a strategic priority.
The club became part of a network that shares knowledge, analytics, and development pathways.
As of 2025, AFC Bournemouth operates within a performance-driven ownership model that prioritizes sustainability, long-term growth, and brand expansion.
AFC Bournemouth Owner’s Net Worth
Bill Foley, the controlling owner of AFC Bournemouth through Black Knight Football Club LLC, has an estimated net worth of $2.7 billion as of November 2025. His wealth does not come from football. It was built over four decades in insurance, financial services, private equity, and corporate restructuring.
Unlike many football owners who arrive with fame or inherited money, Foley made his fortune by building, acquiring, and scaling businesses. He is a corporate architect, not a celebrity investor. His ownership of AFC Bournemouth is the product of business success, not its source.
Below is a list of the major businesses that helped Bill Foley grow his wealth:
Fidelity National Financial
The foundation of Foley’s wealth is Fidelity National Financial, one of the largest title insurance companies in the United States.
He served as chairman and chief executive and transformed the company into a market leader in real estate finance. Under his leadership, the company expanded nationally through acquisitions and now serves major banks, mortgage lenders, and property markets across North America.
This business created billions in shareholder value and built the financial base that would later fund his sports empire.
Black Knight, Inc.
Bill Foley founded and led Black Knight, Inc., a powerful financial technology company serving the U.S. mortgage and banking industry.
The firm provides loan servicing platforms, data analytics systems, and risk management software used by financial institutions nationwide. The company grew into a multibillion-dollar public business and later merged in a major transaction that significantly increased Foley’s personal wealth.
The name “Black Knight” in the football ownership group was taken from this company.
Cannae Holdings
Cannae Holdings is Foley’s main personal investment company.
It functions as his private investment platform, controlling interests in insurance services, software, hospitality, and financial assets. Through Cannae, Foley holds major equity positions and directs capital into new industries.
Cannae also invests in Black Knight Football Club, which owns AFC Bournemouth. This makes Cannae one of the financial pillars behind the club’s ownership.
Vegas Golden Knights
Foley owns the Vegas Golden Knights in the NHL, one of the most valuable hockey franchises in the world.
He acquired the expansion franchise and built it into a championship-winning, billion-dollar organization. It is a core asset in his portfolio and a major contributor to his overall net worth.
The success of that franchise strengthened his credibility as a sports owner.
Black Knight Football Club
Black Knight Football Club LLC is Foley’s football holding company.
It owns AFC Bournemouth outright and controls additional clubs in Europe. The structure operates as a multi-club model that shares data, scouting, recruitment strategy, and commercial systems across all teams.
Bournemouth is the group’s Premier League platform and flagship English club.
Why His Net Worth Matters to AFC Bournemouth
Foley’s financial scale changes how Bournemouth operates.
The club is not dependent on emergency sales. It does not rely on owner loans to survive. It can invest in facilities, players, and staff without crisis thinking.
Recruitment is structured. Growth is planned. Financial stress is minimal.
Bournemouth is no longer fragile.
It is funded.
Long-Term Vision
Foley is not building AFC Bournemouth for resale.
He is building a portfolio.
His multi-club network is designed to grow asset value, develop talent internally, and reduce financial risk across teams.
Ownership under Foley is not unstable, emotional, or reactive.
It is corporate.
It is strategic.
It is durable.
AFC Bournemouth Net Worth
As of November 2025, AFC Bournemouth’s estimated franchise value is $520 million. This represents enterprise value, not just squad worth. The figure includes broadcasting income, commercial revenue, player registrations, infrastructure, and ownership stability.
The club’s valuation accelerated sharply after the 2022 takeover by Black Knight Football Club LLC. Continued Premier League membership and professional management practices have positioned Bournemouth as a long-term football business instead of a survival project.
Annual Revenue Breakdown
Broadcasting income is the primary revenue source. Each Premier League season delivers central distributions worth more than $140 million, driven by international television rights and league-wide revenue sharing. This single category accounts for the majority of total turnover.
Commercial income now exceeds $30 million per year. It comes from:
- Shirt sponsorship
- Training kit branding
- Commercial partnerships
- Licensing agreements
- Digital advertising
Matchday revenue is the smallest income stream at approximately $8–$10 million annually. The Vitality Stadium’s limited capacity restricts gate receipts despite strong demand.
Total annual revenue typically ranges between $180 million and $195 million, depending on league position and commercial activity.
Wage Management and Cost Control
The club operates with disciplined financial management. The wage-to-revenue ratio usually stays between 55% and 60%, which is widely considered sustainable within Premier League financial standards.
There is no heavy reliance on bank debt or emergency owner loans. Funding from ownership is structured rather than reactive. This improves operational stability and reinforces market confidence.
Squad Market Value
AFC Bournemouth’s first-team squad carries an estimated market value between $260 million and $290 million.
Recruitment focuses on age profile, development potential, and adaptability. Contracts are structured to protect player value. Sales are typically made at a profit rather than forced for financial survival.
This asset-creation model ensures that the squad functions as a balance-sheet strength, not a liability.
Before the Black Knight acquisition in 2022, Bournemouth’s estimated valuation sat between $200 million and $230 million.
As of 2025, that value more than doubled.
The increase is attributed to:
- Corporate ownership stability
- Long-term funding structure
- Commercial expansion
- Strategic recruitment systems
- Increased global exposure.
Investors pay more for certainty. Bill Foley’s leadership and capital backing removed financial uncertainty from the club’s risk profile.
Stadium and Infrastructure Value
Vitality Stadium is the smallest ground in the Premier League, seating just over 11,000.
While this limits ticket revenue, it also lowers operating expenses. Ownership focus has shifted toward infrastructure that delivers higher returns, including training facilities, sports science systems, and academy development.
Any stadium expansion or relocation would significantly increase franchise value through hospitality revenue and corporate partnerships.
AFC Bournemouth operates with low leverage.
Ownership contributions are treated as equity rather than high-interest loans. The club does not face refinancing stress or repayment pressure.
This low-risk structure boosts investor confidence and supports valuation.
Market Position
At $520 million, Bournemouth is valued:
- Higher than most Championship clubs by a wide margin
- Above several recently promoted Premier League teams
- In line with other mid-table Premier League franchises.
The club trails only those with large stadiums, European competition, and international fan bases accumulated over decades.
Valuation growth depends on three primary drivers:
- Continued Premier League presence
- Commercial income expansion
- Infrastructure investment
European qualification would accelerate valuation growth. Relegation would reduce income, but ownership backing limits long-term damage.
AFC Bournemouth Leadership
At AFC Bournemouth in 2025, leadership is layered and professional:
- Ultimate authority: Owner/Chairman Bill Foley — sets long-term vision, approves budgets, and leads board governance.
- Business operations: Led by Jim Frevola — handles finances, commercial dealings, infrastructure, and non-sporting operations.
- Football operations: Led by Tiago Pinto (President of Football Operations) and Simon Francis (Technical Director) — oversees recruitment, sporting strategy, and technical direction.
- On-field management: Head Coach Andoni Iraola — responsible for performance, coaching, tactics, and team development.
With this structure, the club blends corporate governance with modern football operations. Decisions are separated between business and sporting spheres, but aligned under a stable umbrella of ownership. The system aims for long-term growth rather than short-term gambles.
Ownership & Chairman
As of 2025, Foley holds the ultimate governing authority over the club — he oversees major strategic decisions, finances, long-term planning, and corporate governance.
Under his chairmanship, Black Knight acquired Bournemouth in December 2022 and established corporate oversight over operations, finances, and club direction.
Foley’s role means that while minority or institutional investors may exist, the final say rests with him. That includes decisions about budgets, stadium strategy, commercial direction, and broader club vision.
Executive Management
The club’s day-to-day football operations and executive management report through a professional corporate structure under Black Knight. Key executives include:
- Tiago Pinto — President of Football Operations. He leads football-side executive decisions, including recruitment strategy, sporting direction, and structural planning within the club. Pinto joined Bournemouth from other roles abroad, bringing international experience.
- Simon Francis — Technical Director. He helps translate club strategy into technical and sporting implementation. He is part of the senior management charged with balancing performance, youth development, scouting, and long-term squad planning.
- Jim Frevola — President of Business Operations & a Board-level Director at Bournemouth. He handles business operations aspects: commercial deals, business development, club organization, financial operations, and non-sporting departments.
This structure separates sporting management (Pinto, Francis) from business operations (Frevola), with both reporting ultimately to the board under Foley’s oversight.
Football Leadership and Coaching
Andoni Iraola is the Head Coach / Manager for the men’s first team as of 2025. He is responsible for team selection, tactics, training, match performance, and day-to-day on-field performance.
Under Iraola, the coaching staff, match analysts, scouting, medical, and support departments operate along modern, professional lines. The club combines technical staff and analytics to modernize its competitive operations.
Governance and Board Structure
Under the corporate ownership by Black Knight, governance is formalized. Members of the board and executive leadership have designated roles with clear responsibility.
Company filings (as of recent years) show that the board includes Bill Foley and directors appointed under Black Knight’s regime.
Management divisions are clearly split:
- Business operations — commercial, finance, marketing
- Football operations — sporting decisions, recruitment, technical staff
- Stadium and infrastructure oversight — where long-term projects like expansion or facility upgrades are managed.
This helps ensure checks and balances: sporting decisions remain distinct from commercial/financial oversight, reducing risk and aligning with long-term club strategy.
Strategic Vision and Recent Developments (2023–2025)
Under the 2022 takeover, leadership has emphasized long-term stability, infrastructure, and corporate professionalism rather than short-term football risk. Investments have been approved in training facilities, club infrastructure, and long-term contracts rather than risky one-season gambles.
Moreover, in 2025, the club is reportedly reviewing stadium ownership and possible expansion or redevelopment of the home ground, signaling long-term ambition under the current leadership.
The working relationship between owner (Foley) and head coach (Iraola) appears active. Recent reports suggest regular communication and shared long-term planning around club development, training infrastructure, and strategic growth rather than only short-term match results.
Final Thoughts
Understanding who owns AFC Bournemouth reveals how much the club has changed behind the scenes. The move from local ownership to corporate control has transformed Bournemouth into a structured football business rather than a survival-focused club. With Bill Foley leading Black Knight Football Club and a group of American investors backing the project, the club now operates with long-term funding, professional governance, and global ambition. Ownership is no longer about keeping the club alive. It is about building it to grow.
FAQs
Who owns AFC Bournemouth?
AFC Bournemouth is owned by Black Knight Football Club LLC, a U.S.-based ownership group led by billionaire Bill Foley. The parent company owns the club entirely, and all investment and control flow through this structure.
Does Michael B. Jordan own Bournemouth?
Yes, Michael B. Jordan owns a minority stake in the ownership group. He is an indirect owner of the club through Black Knight Football Club, but he does not control operations or make football decisions.
Who are AFC Bournemouth’s owners?
The main owner is Black Knight Football Club LLC. Bill Foley is the controlling shareholder and chairman. Other investors include Cannae Holdings, private U.S. investors, and Michael B. Jordan, all of whom own stakes in the parent company rather than the club directly.
When was AFC Bournemouth founded?
AFC Bournemouth was founded in 1899. The club was originally named Boscombe FC before later changing its name as it entered professional league football.
How did Bill Foley get rich?
Bill Foley made his fortune in insurance and financial technology. He built and led Fidelity National Financial into one of the largest title insurance companies in the U.S. He also founded Black Knight, Inc., a major mortgage and financial software company. These businesses generated billions in value long before he entered football ownership.
Who owns the AFC Bournemouth stadium?
Vitality Stadium is owned by the club itself. Since AFC Bournemouth is fully owned by Black Knight Football Club LLC, the stadium is indirectly owned by the same parent company.
What does AFC stand for in AFC Bournemouth?
AFC stands for Association Football Club.