Hibernian: Foley Looks to Reclaim His 25% Share from the Gordon Family
Here’s a story that’s stirring up quite a bit of buzz—Bill Foley, the American entrepreneur behind the Black Knight Group, is actively working to sell back his quarter ownership in Hibernian FC to the club’s main shareholders, the Gordon family. And why? Because both sides have come to see that their partnership isn’t quite hitting the mark for either of them.
Foley, who also owns Bournemouth in England, invested £6 million to acquire his stake in Hibernian back in February 2024. Now, he’s eyeing a deal that would not only allow him to recover that initial investment but also potentially recoup additional funds he poured into the club. If this agreement goes through, it could be a win-win—Foley gets his money back, and the Gorgons might find a new way to reshape their ownership.
For months, discussions have been ongoing, but neither side has been entirely satisfied with how things have played out. The partnership was initially hailed as a transformative move—some even called it “game-changing,” according to former Hibs CEO Ben Kensell. However, the start was rocky. Foley openly voiced his disapproval of certain managerial appointments, specifically criticizing the choices of head coach David Gray and sporting director Malky Mackay, which didn’t sit well with some fans or stakeholders.
In a BBC interview last July, Foley expressed his perspective bluntly: “If the other ownership group at Hibernian listen to us, they will do better.” That statement highlights some of the tensions and disagreements that have marked their collaboration.
On the ground in Edinburgh, Foley’s presence has been minimal—Tim Bezbatchenko, President of Black Knight, has been the main Black Knight representative actively involved, regularly visiting the club. Foley himself, however, has not attended any matches in Scotland, indicating perhaps a more hands-off approach.
Another key figure in this story is Ryan Caswell, a non-executive director representing Black Knight on the Hibernian board. Meanwhile, Black Knight is scouting for additional clubs to add to their growing portfolio, which already includes teams like Lorient in France, Moreirense in Portugal, and Auckland in New Zealand.
If the sale to the Gordan family is finalized, it could pave the way for them to seek out new investors to bring fresh energy or capital into the club. Interestingly, BBC Scotland has confirmed that, as of now, there are no active negotiations with any other potential investors.
And this is the part most people miss: the outcome of this situation could significantly influence Hibernian’s future, shaping the club’s ownership landscape and strategic direction. What do you think—should Foley sell back his stake, or could there still be a way for the partnership to work? Share your thoughts—this controversy definitely raises questions about the best path forward for the club.
