A fantastic analysis by Nick Harris at Sporting Intelligence spotlights Tony Bloom, a visionary investor who redefines multi-club ownership without turning it into feeder clubs. 👏⚽ 🛫 Tony Bloom, a private yet highly impactful figure in football, is known for his transformative leadership at Brighton & Hove Albion. Under his guidance, Brighton has gone from the fourth tier of English football to becoming a consistent Premier League contender. 💰 Bloom is reportedly in talks to acquire a 20-25% stake in Hearts FC of the Scottish Premiership. The investment, estimated at £8-10 million, is driven by strategic growth potential, not just capital infusion. 📓 A key component of Bloom’s approach is leveraging advanced analytics. Brighton’s success story has been built on a bespoke talent-spotting algorithm via Jamestown Analytics (linked to Bloom’s former data firm, Starlizard), focusing on efficient recruitment and player development. 💞 Bloom’s vision is not to turn Hearts into a feeder club but to build an independent, competitive force in Scottish football, akin to his work at Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium, where the club quickly ascended to the top division and achieved European qualification. 🤝 Bloom’s leadership approach emphasizes recruiting and promoting local talent and fan engagement, contributing to a strong, community-driven culture within the club. ⚽ If formalized, this partnership could bring a new era of success for Hearts, utilizing cutting-edge analytics, strategic investment, and a focus on sustainable growth. #SportsBusiness #FootballInvestment #TonyBloom #DataDrivenSuccess #BrightonHoveAlbion #HeartsFC #ScottishFootball #ClubOwnership #AnalyticsInSports #StrategicGrowth #TalentDevelopment #FootballAnalytics #LocalTalent #SportsLeadership #MCO

🌟 Tony Bloom: The Mastermind Behind Brighton & Hove Albion's Success 🌟 Brighton is one of the most exciting success stories in global football. But how did this all come along? As usual: there is this one person behind all of it :) Tony Bloom, a self-made billionaire and former sports bettor, has driven Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.'s rise to success. Here’s a closer look at Brighton and Tony's impact: 𝐀𝐜𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 In 2009, Bloom acquired a 75% stake in Brighton & Hove Albion, investing approximately £93 million to develop the new Amex Stadium. The total value of the club supposedly exceeds £500mn in 2024. 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚-𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲 - 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐟𝐭𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞 Bloom's ownership includes leveraging his expertise in data analytics through his company, Starlizard. This consultancy uses advanced algorithms to identify undervalued players and make informed transfer decisions. For instance: - Alexis Mac Allister: Acquired for £7.5 mn, sold for £35 mn - Yves Bissouma: Bought for £15mn sold for £20 mn - Marc Cucurella: Signed for £15mn sold for £62 mn - Moises Caicedo: Purchased for £5mn sold for £115mn 𝐎𝐧-𝐅𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 Bloom’s strategies have translated into remarkable on-field success. Brighton secured promotion to the Premier League in the 2016-17 season and finished 6th in the 2022-23 season, qualifying for the UEFA Europa League for the first time in the club's history. Tony Bloom’s blend of passion, strategic foresight, and data-driven decision-making has not only redefined Brighton & Hove Albion’s fortunes but also set a benchmark in sports management. Follow (Mark A. Hartmann) for more on sports, business & entrepreneurship. #TonyBloom #SportsAnalytics #BrightonHoveAlbion #Leadership #Innovation Behind the Athletes Podcast Moritz Gessl

UK FOOTBALL INVESTORS for ENGLISH or limited SCOTTISH clubs as follows; VIA our US/Belgian partners who have assuredly means-tested their client; They offer up an investor seeking to acquire a majority stake at an English club of lower Championship or League 1/top 4 ScotPrem (or possibly League 2 - subject to club) divisional status. The budget is sufficiently flexible to harness & develop a championship club: - FOOTBALL CONSULTANTS & ADVISORS or CLUB DIRECTOR's and MGMT; NEED FOOTBALL CLUB ADVICE? Not Sure Where To go Or Who to Ask? When you are looking for help it's not always clear who makes a safe pair of hands (& ears) at the tillers; In addition to our service list many incoming football business partners lack industry knowledge & awareness. AND THEREFORE: - We offer a representative service to organise ANY football consultancy & club MGMT & negotiate ALL share/recruitment acquisitions by offering a wealth of experience & expertise. All this contributed by our partners who have previously held ownership/board positions. All services ONLY EVER undertaken on an ADVANCED retainer; A fee paid in advance to someone, especially a consultant, in order to secure their services for use when required.

🔍 Our latest analysis explores the financial evolution of Manchester United in the post-Ferguson era from four perspectives - revenue, stadium, return on investment into the squad, and player valuation - over a period of fluctuating sporting performance. Here are the key insights: 🔝 In the 2012/13 season, Manchester United had the third highest operating #revenue among all clubs (GBP 363m), lagging only behind Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona. 📈 After the unprecedented financial #growth experienced by clubs at the top of the football pyramid during the following decade, the Red Devils reached operating revenues of GBP 650m in 2022/23, but were overtaken by local rivals Manchester City FC. 📊 In terms of stadium and matchday income, United's RevPEPAS (Revenue Per Event Per Available Seat) grew by only 10% between 2012/13 and 2022/23, being outpaced by several English clubs. 💸 Looking at staff costs, the club experienced significant #investment in the playing squad in the post-Ferguson era. Staff costs saw an upward trend during the analysed period, but the high-profile players signed were not able restore the club's competitive edge. ▶ While staff costs grew by 80% since 2012/13, the increase in amortisation of players' registrations was over 300%, as a consequence of the long-lasting impact of the high transfer fees paid. 💡 On the player valuation side, only two players bought since 2019 saw an increase in their market values after two years - Bruno Fernandes (+42%) and Aaron Wan-Bissaka (+30%). The arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, owner of the INEOS conglomerate who purchased a 25% stake in the club from the Glazer family and took charge of the football operations at the club, offers hope; it will be interesting to monitor whether they can unlock the potential of the club as the focus remains on achieving a sustainable balance between sporting success and financial stability. 🔗 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dz9FmRcm #football #manchesterunited #premierleague #footballfinance

With yesterday’s announcement that Oaktree has seized control of Inter Milan, plus the ongoing sales process of Reading FC, it brings into focus recent divestments from Chinese investors in European football over recent years. Notable examples include: 🔴 ⚫ In 2018 under similar circumstances, Elliot Management seized control of AC Milan from L Yonghong following a default on loan repayments. ⚽ In the UK, West Bromwich Albion (G Lai, 2024), Southampton (G Jisheng, 2022), Aston Villa (T Xia, 2018) and Birmingham (C Yeung, 2016) have been sold by Chinese investors in recent years. 🔵 In 2022, China Media Group reportedly reduced its stake in City Football Group to around 1%, having previously owned a reported 13% stake in CFG. ⚽ Elsewhere in Europe, Grasshoppers (J Wang, 2024 – Still involved with club) and Nice (A Zheng, 2019) have changed hands.     Chinese investment across European football does still remain, with notable investors including: 🔴🔵 Atletico Madrid (Wanda, since 2015) 🔶 Wolves (Fosun Sports Group, 2016) 🔷🔶 Espanyol (C Yansheng, 2016) 🔴 Granada CF (J Lizhang, 2016) ⚪🔴 AS Nancy (Pacific Media Group, 2020) 🔵 Souchaux (Nenking Group, 2020) – Relegated to Championnat National by the DNCG ahead of 2022/23 following failure of owners to provide financial guarantees.   With the influx of capital into European football, driven by US investment, the composition of investor groups, and continued presence of Chinese investment in the coming years will be of particular interest. #sport #sports #manda #investment

Red Bull has acquired a minority stake in Leeds United and will be their front-of-shirt sponsor starting next season. The global soft drink company has expanded its extensive portfolio of football clubs by investing in the EFL (English Football League) Championship team. This move brings Red Bull alongside the existing owner, 49ers Enterprises, the investment branch of the National Football League (NFL)’s San Francisco 49ers. This investment will be crucial to ensure that Leeds complies with the EFL or The Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules (PSR). Although Leeds are not in immediate danger of failing PSR this season, the club will need to maintain spending in the upcoming seasons to secure promotion. Red Bull will replace smart home systems provider BOXT as Leeds United's front-of-shirt sponsor. The new agreement sees a heavy increase in the value of the current contract for the main shirt sponsor. Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe said: "I am thrilled that Red Bull is joining us to build a bright future for Leeds United and shares our deep respect for this truly special club. As chairman, our consortium of investment partners will be invaluable to me as we approach this important moment for the club, now and into the future." Red Bull's chief executive of corporate projects and investments Oliver Mintzlaff said: “We are delighted to be an important element and partner of Leeds United. A club that is certainly one of the biggest in England and has a rich and successful history. The ambition to bring Leeds United back to the Premier League and establish themselves in the best football league in the world fits very well with Red Bull.” #leeds #leedsunited #lufc #redbull #rb #investment #premierleague #efl #sponsor #sponsorship #stake #investmentgroup #investing

The latest Football Benchmark analysis explores the financial evolution of Manchester United in the post-Ferguson era from four perspectives - revenue, stadium, return on investment into the squad, and player valuation - over a period of fluctuating sporting performance. Here are the key insights: 🔝 In the 2012/13 season, Manchester United had the third highest operating #revenue among all clubs (GBP 363m), lagging only behind Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona. 📈 After the unprecedented financial #growth experienced by clubs at the top of the football pyramid during the following decade, the Red Devils reached operating revenues of GBP 650m in 2022/23, but were overtaken by local rivals Manchester City FC. 📊 In terms of stadium and matchday income, United's RevPEPAS (Revenue Per Event Per Available Seat) grew by only 10% between 2012/13 and 2022/23, being outpaced by several English clubs. 💸 Looking at staff costs, the club experienced significant #investment in the playing squad in the post-Ferguson era. Staff costs saw an upward trend during the analysed period, but the high-profile players signed were not able restore the club's competitive edge. ▶ While staff costs grew by 80% since 2012/13, the increase in amortisation of players' registrations was over 300%, as a consequence of the long-lasting impact of the high transfer fees paid. 💡 On the player valuation side, only two players bought since 2019 saw an increase in their market values after two years - Bruno Fernandes (+42%) and Aaron Wan-Bissaka (+30%). The arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, owner of the INEOS conglomerate who purchased a 25% stake in the club from the Glazer family and took charge of the football operations at the club, offers hope; it will be interesting to monitor whether they can unlock the potential of the club as the focus remains on achieving a sustainable balance between sporting success and financial stability.

https://lnkd.in/eydpFwUP Making the most of opportunities to boost retail income. In amongst the wealth of information in Deloitte’s Annual Review of Football Finance I spotted this statement on page 25: ‘Where possible, clubs are increasingly exploring ways to generate greater commercial revenues, viewing their stadia as year-round, multi-purpose entertainment venues.’ Having also seen the stat from earlier in the summer that, driven by huge growth in its National Merchandise venture, in 2023/24 The Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham generated almost four times as much money in merchandise sales than from the live events themselves it really got me thinking about how football clubs might take advantage of their existing retail operations to further boost income from entertainment events outside of, or even alongside, their core football matchday activities. What's your ratio of ticket to merchandise sales? Might you have more opportunities to grow income from the willingness of some live event attendees to spend significant money on merchandise on top of their ticket purchase? Contact Mark or Geoff to book your expert led retail store audit and start your journey to find and deliver new revenue generating opportunities and #RaiseYourRetailGame. #FootballFinance #FootballRetail #BeatPSR #ARFF

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish says he is 'astounded' by lack of Eze interest ——————— Window Negotiations: A Difficult but Necessary Decision As the transfer window came to a close, the football world was left wondering how things could have played out so differently. In this exclusive interview, our club's owner shares his thoughts on the recent deals, the challenges faced, and the decisions made. A Shift in Priorities "We thought we would be more likely to lose Mark in the beginning," our owner begins. "We got the bid that we got for Y, and we felt that we n... Read Full Article: https://lnkd.in/eird3Y-H #Sport #aspiration #BayernMunich #Bid #Challenges #clubowner #destinationclub #exclusive #Future #Interview #marker #negotiations #Newcastle #performance #playerdevelopment #priority #squadbuilding #tagsfootball #topclubs #TransferWindow #uncertainty

2 INVESTORS now available for UK clubs; England/Wales/Scotland/Ireland: UK-based FOOTBALL CLUB ACQUISITION sought up to £5m by US investors; Also, a potential 3rd larger investor subject to club location. Let us take the heat out the search and secure funds for your club: In addition to our service list many incoming football investors/partners lack football industry knowledge & awareness. FED offers a representative service to front any football club purchase by offering a wealth of experience & expertise. All this contributed by our partners who have previously held ownership/board positions on 7 top clubs and retain in excess of 100 years experience. Also, our Director exclusively set up the Antwerp/ManUtd partnership. 1. International Football Match Agents to club & national teams. Inclusive of exhibition, tour, testimonial, friendly for top tier Euro clubs 2. Club Acquisition/Sale Advisors to a host of top Euro club 3. Football Club Buyer Representation for unaware industry entrants 4. International Football Competition Designer (FIFA World Club Championship.) 5. Club Partnership Specialist (FED Director, Paul Bistiaux exclusively set up Antwerp/ManUtd) 6. Club Directors of UK Club 7. Club Founders of UK Club 8. Club Direction Facilitators 9. Football Club Strategy Implementation Advisors to several Euro Football Clubs