An American billionaire who owns English Premier League membership Bournemouth has secured the licence for the brand new Auckland franchise that may be a part of the A-League subsequent 12 months.
Bill Foley, who has an estimated price of $US1.6bn ($A2.5bn), has been named by the Australian Professional Leagues because the “preferred bidder” for the brand new Auckland membership becoming a member of the A-League males’s and ladies’s competitions within the 2024-25 season.
Foley is managing normal associate of Black Knight Football and Entertainment, which owns Bournemouth and French top-flight outfit FC Lorient.
The 78-year-old Texan additionally owns American ice hockey group Vegas Golden Knights in his roles as lead investor, chairman and chief government officer of the Black Knight Sports and Entertainment consortium.
Foley already has hyperlinks with New Zealand because the proprietor of a number of Kiwi companies, together with Foley Wines Ltd, a restaurant group and the Wharekauhau lodge on the South Wairarapa Coast.
“My family and I have a genuine appreciation and love for New Zealand,” Foley mentioned.
“We will look to strengthen this connection even further by acquiring an A-League expansion licence in Auckland, which will allow us to establish both a men’s and women’s club in the city.
“Black Knight Football Club operates with a commitment to excellence on and off the pitch. “Our goal will be to build a winning organisation while simultaneously serving the community and growing the sport – and passion for the sport – at all levels.
“We are extremely excited to reach this stage in the process and look forward to the next steps.”
Football Australia can be set to approve Foley’s licence bid, which is able to then be endorsed by the Asian and Oceania soccer confederations and New Zealand Football.
A-League commissioner Nick Garcia mentioned Foley would carry “direct elite football experience” to the competitors.
“Importantly, Bill is passionate about Auckland and has a long-term relationship with New Zealand through his business interests,” Garcia mentioned.
“Auckland has been the largest city in Australia and New Zealand without a professional football team despite football being the most popular team participation sport nationally in New Zealand.
“We look forward to building on the success of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, providing football fans in Auckland with their new home team.”
Source: www.news.com.au
