Chicago-based billionaires, the Ryan family, have made a significant investment in AFC Bournemouth, the English Premier League side. This move brings together two prominent figures in the American insurance industry: Bill Foley, the managing partner of Bournemouth’s parent company Black Knight Football Club, and Pat Ryan, the founder of global insurance firm Aon.
The group led by Foley, who is also the chairman of property insurance firm Fidelity National Insurance, acquired Bournemouth in December 2022 from British-Russian businessman Max Demin. Since then, they have purchased a large minority stake in French side Lorient. Now, Ryan Sports Ventures, the Ryan family’s sports investment arm, joins Foley, Hollywood actor Michael B. Jordan, and other investors in the Black Knight partnership.
This collaboration not only combines decades of experience in the insurance business but also highlights the trend of North American sports investors moving into European football. The Ryan family has held a significant minority stake in the NFL’s Chicago Bears since the 1980s and has invested in the Penske motorsport group and various sports technology brands. Foley, on the other hand, owns the NHL champions, the Vegas Golden Knights.
Bill Foley praised Pat Ryan as a visionary and cornerstone within the insurance industry. He expressed confidence in the team they have built behind AFC Bournemouth and FC Lorient and their multi-club model’s immediate and long-term future. The addition of the Ryan family and Ryan Sports Ventures further accelerates their ambitions for their football business.
While this is the first time the Ryans have invested in a European football team, they have previously been involved in the game financially. Aon was Manchester United’s front-of-shirt sponsor from 2010 to 2014 and sponsored the club’s training kit and training complex until 2021.
Rob Ryan, managing partner of Ryan Sports, emphasized their commitment to backing exceptional people with a proven track record of winning. He highlighted their intention to actively contribute to the growth of each investment through their experience and collective networks. Ryan Sports aims to leverage their portfolio of sports technology and content partners for the benefit of AFC Bournemouth, FC Lorient, and all future clubs under Black Knight Football and Entertainment.
Bournemouth’s rise in English football has been remarkable. After spending most of their history in the lower divisions, they were promoted to the Premier League for the first time in 2015. They spent five seasons in the top flight before being relegated in 2020. However, they made a swift return in 2022 and surprised many by avoiding relegation last season. The team has had a slow start to the current campaign and currently sits in 17th place, just above the relegation zone. Lorient, on the other hand, is faring slightly better in Ligue 1, occupying the 14th position.
The investment from the Ryan family adds significant financial firepower to AFC Bournemouth and further solidifies the club’s ambitions for success in the Premier League. With the combined expertise of Bill Foley, Pat Ryan, and other investors, the Black Knight partnership is poised to make a lasting impact on the football world. This move also highlights the growing trend of North American sports investors expanding their reach into European football. As Bournemouth and Lorient continue their journey in their respective leagues, fans will be eager to see how this investment propels them to new heights.