Hollywood actor Michael B. Jordan has been named as new part owner of AFC Bournemouth, who currently sit 14th in the Premier League.
Billy Foley’s takeover of Cherries has finally been ratified by the Premier League, which means the American businessman is the new owner of the Dorset outfit.
Approval for the reported £120m deal sees control of the club move from Swiss-based Russian businessman Max Demin to Foley, who is also the owner of National Hockey League side Vegas Golden Knights.
Agreement had been reached back in October, with Foley visiting the Vitality Stadium to watch over Bournemouth’s 2-1 victory against Leicester City.
A new era ❤️
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) December 13, 2022
CLUB STATEMENT:
AFC Bournemouth can confirm that owner Maxim Demin has sold his 100% stake in the club to Black Knight Football Club, of which Bill Foley is the Managing General Partner, with a number of limited partners including a 50.1% interest for Cannae Holdings Inc., and certain other investors many of whom invested in the Vegas Golden Knights.
Bill had attended the Cherries’ victory over Leicester City in October ahead of completing the deal, which has now been ratified by the Premier League.
A businessman and philanthropist, Bill also has an extensive background in sports including tremendous success as the founder and owner of the National Hockey League’s Vegas Golden Knights, the first major league sports team in Las Vegas.
Bill and his partners are committed to providing the investment to sustain and build upon AFC Bournemouth’s recent accomplishments, which includes returning to the Premier League in 2022/23, where the Cherries have spent six of the last eight seasons.
Bill is committed to increased investment in AFC Bournemouth’s first team as well as the academy and fan experience at Vitality Stadium, on top of immediately beginning construction of a state-of-the-art training centre and increasing financial commitment to the AFC Bournemouth women’s team and girls’ teams.
Assuming the role of Chairman with immediate effect, Bill will be attending the club’s next home match, against Crystal Palace on 31 December. Having also purchased a home in the local area, Bill reaffirms his commitment to the football club and surrounding community.
“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,” Bill said.
“We will move forward with an ‘always advance, never retreat’ approach that has defined all of my endeavours. 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.”
Maxim moves on after 11 years as AFC Bournemouth’s owner, a run which included the club’s ascension from League One to the Premier League in less than five seasons.
Bill added: “Without the belief and financial backing of Maxim and his family, AFC Bournemouth might well have ceased to exist. 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.”
The minority ownership group is led by award-winning actor, director and producer Michael B. Jordan and Nullah Sarker (The Players Tribune, Davis Cup). AFC Bournemouth is Michael’s first foray into professional sports ownership, as he and Nullah will work closely with Bill in areas including global marketing and internationalisation of the club.
Bill’s sports background is highlighted by the performance of the Golden Knights, who debuted in the 2017/18 season with the most successful campaign for an expansion franchise in any sport, reaching the Stanley Cup Final. The first major league professional team in Las Vegas, it has enjoyed perennial on-and-off-ice success and spawned growth in Vegas as a professional sports hub and an exploding youth hockey market.
Bill has also led the construction of multiple sports venues in the Las Vegas Valley, including The Dollar Loan Center, City National Arena, and Lifeguard Arena. Outside of sports, Bill has successfully founded, grown, and operated numerous ventures in the financial and technology sectors, hospitality, and vineyards.
Bill’s philanthropic efforts include the Vegas Golden Knights Foundation, the Folded Flag Foundation, and the Foley Family Charitable Foundation, all of which are committed to giving back to the community.
🚨 | Hollywood actor Michael B. Jordan is now a part owner of AFC Bournemouth pic.twitter.com/Ukl1nKIz1a
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) December 13, 2022
Fans reacted with the Hollywood actor Michael B. Jordan is named as a new part owner of AFC Bournemouth…
@_geobaker: NOW we’re a billionaire run club 😂 #afcb
@Cherriesredarmy: Let’s strap in for the next chapter 😍 🍒
@ohjoewalker: You can’t convince me this news wasn’t made by a random headline generator
@davina_thfc: Well I guess Bournemouth are my second team now 🫣
@AddyFi: Deal complete✅ a new era for AFC Bournemouth, can’t wait to see what Bill Foley has to offer. A huge thank you to Max and everything he’s done taking this club forward. #AFCB
@Inedesiree: Feels very strange watching #WelcometoWrexham on the plane, reflecting over the club takeover by R&R, and upon landing I’m seeing news that #afcb have been taken over by an American businessman. Curious as to what brought that about
@PedroPaddy: With @michaelb4jordan now having a stake in @afcbournemouth, what are the chances of there being a pre-season friendly vs @Wrexham_AFC as they’re owned by @VancityReynolds? Bit of friendly competition never hurt anyone… #afcb #WrexhamAFC
@afcbandy: Michael B. Jordan? Does this mean we’re going to get our own documentary series? #afcb
@UTCInAllDepts: We’ve only gone and got ourselves a bloomin’ billionaire, haven’t we? And a flippin’ Hollywood actor. Li’l ‘ol tinpot Bormuff! I’m guessing the #afcb timeline will be pretty busy today and mostly joyous. 👍🍒 (Breathes sigh of relief!)
@ExiledGooner: Is the Stars and Stripes 🇺🇸 flying over Dean Court yet ?!?! 😉🍒⚽️
@claxtonnn: Sorry am i reading this right or has Michael B Jordan bought a stake in our club
@_LiamGrace: UP THE USA SEASIDE SOCCER CHERRIES 😍🇺🇸
@AFCBNG: Thank you Max, you let us dream the impossible dream. Now we look to bring #afcb into the new Era
@TCPalacePod: ‘Assuming the role of Chairman with immediate effect, Bill will be attending the club’s next home match, against Crystal Palace on 31 December.’ New owner bounce? 😒 #CPFC
@DAfcbfan: Finally let’s go very happy about this
@jamesfazza: Las Vegas Chezzers 🍒🤌🏻
@jamie_afcb7: What ever happens next I just want to say a final Thank you to Maxim Denim. Without him who knows where this club would be ❤️🍒 #afcb
— James Swyer (@jamesswyer) December 13, 2022
LETS GO pic.twitter.com/ZmdTNfsg9s
— Ed Coombs (@eddicoombs67) December 13, 2022

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