Croatian Reports: HNK Rijeka Joins Bill Foley’s Black Knight Football Club Multi-Club Network.

Roger Hampel

Photo Credit: Black Knight Football Club

According to Sportske Novosti, Croatian champions HNK Rijeka have been sold to Black Knight Football Club (BKFC), a sports investment group owned by U.S. billionaire Bill Foley. The deal marks the end of Damir Mišković’s 13-year leadership, during which Rijeka experienced one of the most successful periods in its history. HNK Rijeka Bill Foley Black Knight Football Club

Part of a Global Multi-Club Network

As reported by Sportske Novosti, Rijeka now joins a portfolio that includes AFC Bournemouth (England), FC Moreirense (Portugal), Hibernian (Scotland, minority share), FC Lorient (France, minority share), and Auckland FC (New Zealand).

This move places Rijeka within an international multi-club structure, where resources, players, and expertise can be shared. An early example highlighted by the Croatian outlet is the arrival of young forward Danijel Adu-Adjei from Bournemouth’s youth system to Rijeka.

Financial Strength Behind the Takeover

Bill Foley, valued by Forbes at $1.7 billion, is recognized for his investments in both traditional industries and sports franchises. Sportske Novosti notes that his holding company reported $1.13 billion in net income in 2022, underlining the financial capacity behind BKFC’s acquisitions. Foley also owns the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights, expanding his reach across major sports.

Implications for Rijeka

For Rijeka, the sale represents a transition from a single-owner model to being part of a larger corporate framework. According to Sportske Novosti, this shift could bring:

• Increased financial security and investment capacity

• Access to a wider pool of players through the BKFC network

• Potential adjustments in sporting and management structures

The outlet also draws comparisons to Atalanta, where American investors took a majority stake but retained local management, illustrating how European clubs can benefit from both fresh capital and established sporting know-how.

Looking Ahead HNK Rijeka Bill Foley Black Knight Football Club

As Sportske Novosti underlines, questions remain about how Foley and BKFC will structure Rijeka’s operations, particularly regarding local management, the academy system, and long-term sporting ambitions. Damir Mišković is expected to step aside following the sale, closing a chapter defined by trophies and modernization projects.

The official announcement of the deal is expected in the coming days.