AFC Bournemouth, commonly known as Bournemouth or The Cherries, is a professional football club based in Bournemouth, Dorset, England. The club competes in the Premier League, the top tier of English football.
Founded in 1899, AFC Bournemouth has built a strong reputation for its rapid rise through the English football pyramid, especially during the 2010s. The club plays its home matches at Vitality Stadium, one of the smallest stadiums in the Premier League, yet known for its intense atmosphere.
As of 2025, the club is managed on the sporting side by its head coach, while overall strategic and financial control lies with its ownership group following a major takeover in late 2022.
Ownership Status of AFC Bournemouth
AFC Bournemouth is privately owned. The club is owned by Black Knight Football Club, a football investment group led by American businessman Bill Foley.
Black Knight Football Club completed its takeover of AFC Bournemouth in December 2022, acquiring nearly 100% ownership of the club. This takeover ended the long ownership era of former owner Maxim Demin and marked a new chapter focused on long-term growth and global football partnerships.
Current Owner at a Glance
| Owner / Entity | Ownership Stake | Role & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Black Knight Football Club | ~100% | Private ownership group |
| Bill Foley | Controlling figure | Chairman & lead investor |
Note: AFC Bournemouth is not publicly traded, so ownership does not fluctuate like listed companies.
Key Owner Highlights
The ownership of AFC Bournemouth is closely tied to Bill Foley, who is widely known for his involvement in professional sports and finance.
Key points about the ownership:
- Bill Foley is the driving force behind Black Knight Football Club and serves as chairman.
- The group follows a multi-club ownership model, aiming to share scouting networks, analytics, and player development resources across clubs.
- Black Knight also has football interests in Europe, helping AFC Bournemouth access broader talent pipelines.
- Since the takeover, the club has shown increased ambition in transfers, infrastructure investment, and long-term Premier League stability.
Recent Developments in Ownership
Since the 2022 takeover, there have been no major ownership changes at AFC Bournemouth.
However, under Black Knight’s ownership:
- The club has invested more aggressively in player recruitment.
- There has been a stronger focus on data-driven decision-making.
- Bournemouth has aimed to establish itself as a consistent Premier League club, rather than a relegation-battling side.
Any future ownership updates would be disclosed officially by the club, as it remains a privately held organization.
FAQs
1. Who is the current owner of AFC Bournemouth?
AFC Bournemouth is owned by Black Knight Football Club, led by American businessman Bill Foley.
2. Is AFC Bournemouth publicly traded or privately owned?
The club is privately owned and is not listed on any stock exchange.
3. When did Bill Foley buy AFC Bournemouth?
The takeover was completed in December 2022.
4. Does Bill Foley own other sports teams?
Yes. Bill Foley is also known for owning the Vegas Golden Knights in the NHL and has interests in multiple football clubs through Black Knight.
5. Has AFC Bournemouth’s ownership changed recently?
No. Since the 2022 acquisition, ownership has remained stable under Black Knight Football Club.
AFC Bournemouth Official Website
AFC Bournemouth’s ownership under Black Knight Football Club represents a modern, globally connected approach to football management. With Bill Foley at the helm, the club is focused on sustainability, smart recruitment, and maintaining its place in the Premier League for the long term.