By Alan Snel, LVSportsBiz.com Publisher-Writer
Vegas Golden Knights owner Bill Foley added another soccer investment to his wide-ranging business portfolio by announcing Tuesday that he has purchased a minority stake in Hibernian FC, a Scottish soccer team based in Edinburgh with a history that traces back to 1875.
Foley, who owns a vast empire of wineries, hotels and restaurants, has spent the past two years buying shares of pro soccer teams in England, France and New Zealand.
A Foley press release explained: “The investment in Hibernian FC advances BKFC’s multi-club ownership strategy which includes 100 percent ownership of A.F.C. Bournemouth, an English Premier League club, and a significant minority investment in FC Lorient, a French Ligue 1 club.
“Foley also owns an A-Leagues expansion football club based in Auckland, New Zealand, which will begin play during the 2024-25 season.
“The Partnership is building a global network of world-class football clubs, players, and real estate assets that will produce operational synergies, accelerate player development, and enable efficient player migration across BKFC’s network of owned and operated clubs while driving strong on-field and financial results.”
It’s interesting that Foley has been buying shares of soccer teams around the globe, but has not been involved in the purchase of the Las Vegas Lights soccer team or in any talks of bringing a Major League Soccer team in Las Vegas. Foley’s staff took a close look at the viability of a MLS team in Las Vegas, but said the costs did not pencil out. A big factor was that there was no soccer stadium for a MLS team in Las Vegas.