Blues owners acquire 49 per cent stake in Birmingham Phoenix
Birmingham City Football Club’s owners Knighthead Capital Management have secured a 49 per cent stake in the Birmingham Phoenix cricket franchise.
Knighthead completed its investment in Birmingham Phoenix, the Hundred franchise based at Edgbaston and part of Warwickshire County Cricket Club (WCCC).
They say the move will bolster the city’s world-class sporting offer and unlocking significant funding for grassroots cricket.
WCCC will retain the remaining 51 per cent.
Knighthead’s investment in cricket follows on from them acquiring a stake in the Birmingham Panthers Netball Super League team.
This announcement follows the exclusivity period launched earlier this year, during which Knighthead entered final-stage negotiations for Birmingham Phoenix.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said five other deals have been completed between private investors and teams in The Hundred – with the other two on track for formal completion at a later date.
Stuart Cain, chief executive of WCCC, said: “The growth of Birmingham Phoenix over the past five years has been phenomenal and this commitment from Knighthead will enable us to take the team to new levels globally.
“It will increase the impact of cricket across the West Midlands and into our region’s diverse communities, attracting new followers to the sport.
“It also means we can work with Knighthead’s other sports investments in the city to help with their plans for the Sports Quarter, ensuring that the city’s burgeoning sports scene continues to grow, creating jobs and opportunities for those that need them the most.”
Andrew Shannahan, managing member at Knighthead, said: "We’re incredibly proud to deepen our investment in Birmingham through joining The Hundred and putting our support behind Birmingham Phoenix.
“Knighthead is committed to building something truly special and making an even greater impact across sport and community in this city - and cricket will play a vital part of that fabric.”
Kyle Kneisly, partner at Knighthead, added: “This investment reflects Knighthead’s belief in Birmingham’s future, and in the power of sport to bring people together, inspire the next generation, and drive meaningful growth for the region.
“We look forward to supporting the Phoenix and continuing to build a world-class sporting ecosystem here in Birmingham."
August sees the start of The Hundred get underway for Birmingham Phoenix at Edgbaston Stadium, with the opening fixture taking place on Friday 8 August, followed by the visit of Oval Invincibles on Tuesday 12 August, London Spirit on Sunday 17 August, and Welsh Fire on Friday 22 August.
