Who Are The Owners Of AFC Bournemouth?

• Ken Anucha
• December 16, 2024

AFC Bournemouth is a professional football club based in Bournemouth, England. Established in 1899 as Boscombe, the club changed its name to AFC Bournemouth in 1971. Known as “The Cherries,” they wear red and black stripes.

The team plays their home games at the Vitality Stadium, which has a capacity of about 11,700, making it the smallest in the Premier League.

Bournemouth first reached the Premier League in 2015 and returned in 2022 after winning promotion from the Championship.

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AFC Bournemouth Premier League History

AFC Bournemouth first participated In the Premier League during the 2015–16 season small budget compared to others in the league.

That first season was tough, with key players like Callum Wilson suffering injuries. The team struggled early on but improved later in the season, finishing 16th and avoiding relegation.

In their second season, many thought Bournemouth would face “second season syndrome,” where teams struggle to maintain their top-flight status.

However, the club surprised everyone by finishing 9th in the 2016–17 season. A key moment was signing Nathan Aké from Chelsea for a club-record fee.

The 2017–18 season started slowly, but Bournemouth found their form later in the year. By the end of the season, they earned a record 19 points from games where they were losing.

This helped them finish 12th to make another successful year in the league. In the 2018–19 season, Bournemouth broke their transfer record again, signing Jefferson Lerma.

They started strong, sitting 6th after the first 12 games. Yet, injuries slowed their progress, and they finished 14th. Still, they secured a fifth consecutive season in the Premier League.

The 2019–20 season began well, with the team briefly in 7th place. Again, injuries and poor results saw them drop into the relegation zone.

Despite a final-day win against Everton, the team was relegated due to other results. This led to the departure of long-time manager Eddie Howe, who had been a key figure in Bournemouth’s rise.

After relegation, the club faced changes. Jason Tindall, a former assistant coach, became manager but was replaced by Jonathan Woodgate after a poor run of results.

Bournemouth made the playoffs in the Championship but lost to Brentford.  In 2021, Scott Parker became manager and led the team to promotion back to the Premier League in the 2021–22 season.

Bournemouth’s return to the Premier League in 2022–23 started poorly, including a 9–0 loss to Liverpool, leading to Parker’s dismissal.

Gary O’Neil, initially a caretaker coach, took over and improved the team’s form, earning a permanent role as head coach.

Who Are The Owners Of AFC Bournemouth?

AFC Bournemouth is owned by a group called Black Knight Football Club. This group took control of the club in December 2022.

The leader of this group is Bill Foley, an American businessman. Before Foley took over, the club was owned by Maxim Demin, a Russian-born businessman who helped Bournemouth rise through the leagues and reach the Premier League.

Bill Foley is well-known in the game. He made a lot of money in the insurance business and owns the Vegas Golden Knights, a National Hockey League (NHL) team in the United States.

Foley and his group paid over £100 million for the club, and the deal was approved by the Premier League after strict checks. Foley’s plans for AFC Bournemouth are ambitious.

He wants to develop the team by focusing on improving the players, upgrading the stadium, and making the club stronger in the Premier League.

Foley is also very focused on the fans. He believes the club should have a close connection with its supporters and the local community. The Black Knight Football Club also includes minority investors who bring different skills and ideas.

One of the most notable names is Michael B. Jordan, the famous actor and producer. This is Jordan’s first step into owning a sports team, and he plans to help grow Bournemouth’s brand around the world.

Another key member of the group is Nullah Sarker, who has experience in the sports business. Before Foley’s group took over, Maxim Demin had been the owner since 2011.

During his time, the club saw incredible success. Bournemouth moved from League One to the Premier League in just a few years.

Demin invested a lot in the club, improving its facilities and helping it compete at a high level. With Foley now in charge, AFC Bournemouth’s future looks exciting. There are already plans to expand the Vitality Stadium and improve training facilities.

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How Much Is AFC Bournemouth Worth?

In December 2022, the club was bought by the Black Knight Football Club, led by American businessman Bill Foley. This deal was reported to be worth over £100 million, or about $147 million.

While the purchase price is a good starting point, the total value of AFC Bournemouth in 2024 is likely much higher. Recent estimates suggest the club could be worth $354.85 million.

This valuation includes not just the team and stadium but also factors like its revenue, sponsorship deals, and potential for growth.

Being part of the Premier League significantly boosts its financial worth due to the league’s global popularity. One of the club’s main sources of income is broadcasting rights.

The Premier League has highly valuable TV deals, and all clubs in the league get a share of this money. This brings in a steady and large income every season.

Another important revenue source is matchday earnings. AFC Bournemouth plays its home games at the Vitality Stadium, which has a seating capacity of about 11,700.

While it is one of the smallest stadiums in the Premier League, ticket sales, hospitality packages, and merchandise sold on match days help the club bring in more money. Sponsorship deals also play a big part in AFC Bournemouth’s finances.

The club recently signed a shirt sponsorship deal with BJ88, a betting company, worth £8 million. This is well above what such deals are usually worth for a club of its size.

Altogether, sponsorships for the 2023/24 season are estimated to have brought in over $10.9 million. These deals provide financial support and also help raise the club’s profile and attract more fans.

Player transfers are another major factor in the club’s value. The transfer market is a big part of football finances, with player sales and purchases affecting both team performance and the club’s overall worth.

Bournemouth has players valued at different levels, and these values can change depending on how they perform and how much interest they attract from other teams.