Michael B. Jordan is an actor, director, producer, and now, a sports team owner.
On Dec. 13, AFC Bournemouth announced that the Black Knight Football Club acquired the club from the former owner, Maxim Demin, according to the club’s news post. As a member of the minority ownership group, Jordan has become a part owner of AFC Bournemouth — making the acquisition his “first foray into professional sports ownership.”
He and his partner, Nullah Sarker, are set to work closely with Bill Foley, Black Knight Football Club’s Managing General Partner, for the global marketing and internationalization of the club.
According to the announcement, Foley is joined by limited partners including a 50.1 percent interest for Cannae Holdings Inc. Additionally, other investors whom invested in the National Hockey League’s (NHL’s) Vegas Golden Knights, which Foley is the owner of.
Bloomberg reports that Cannae Holdings Inc. will pay $126 million for the stake.
“I have tremendous respect for the passion and support the Bournemouth community shows for this club and believe that connection to the community is the foundation for success of any sports team,” Foley shared in a statement, per the news post.
“We will move forward with an ‘always advance, never retreat’ approach that has defined all of my endeavours,” he continued. “I am committed to work with the best football and business minds available to enhance player development, facilities, and the fan experience to put AFC Bournemouth in the best possible position to succeed.”
Prior to selling his 100 percent stake, Demin has been the owner of AFC Bournemouth for 11 years.
“Without the belief and financial backing of Maxim and his family, AFC Bournemouth might well have ceased to exist,” Foley said. “Maxim’s support and involvement has allowed the club to establish itself as a top-flight team. We’d like to thank him for his co-operation throughout the process and praise his hard work whilst owner of the club. We wish him well as he focusses on his other business endeavours.”
With the new acquisition, the Black Knight Football Club plans to start the construction of a state-of-the-art training center and increase financial commitment to AFC Bournemouth’s women’s and girls’ teams.