Actor Michael B. Jordan, famed for his roles in The Wire, Black Panther and Creed, has just become a minority shareholder at AFC Bournemouth.
American investor Bill Foley, has completed his long-awaited takeover of the Cherries. Black Knight Football and Entertainment (BKFE), which in turn is owned by Cannae Holdings, hold a 50.1 per cent stake, with Foley controlling 25 per cent of shares. Jordan is an investor – making him a minority shareholder similarly to how LeBron James owns a share in Liverpool.
Here at FFT, we're just disappointed that Norwegian striker Joshua King is no longer at the Vitality Stadium, since it would have been fun to watch Jordan resurrect his line from Black Panther, pointing at the forward and asking the immortal question, “Is this your King?”
“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,” Foley said upon the takeover.
“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.”
The Hollywood A-lister joins the likes of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in owning a British football club, with those two at the helm at Wrexham. Plenty of movie stars own MLS sides, too: Reese Witherspoon has a stake in Nashville, Will Ferrell owns Los Angeles FC and Matthew McConaughey owns Austin. Perhaps weirdest of all, former The Office US star Mindy Kaling has a share in Swansea City.
Michael B. Jordan is yet to comment on his new affiliation with AFCB – but we hope to see him in the Steve Fletcher stand in the coming weeks singing the 'Super Mark Travers in goal' chant.
