Knighthead Capital Completes Full Acquisition of Birmingham City FC.

Roger Hampel

Image: Birmingham City FC

Knighthead Capital Management LLC has completed its full acquisition of Birmingham City Football Club, consolidating control of one of English football’s most historic institutions. Through its affiliate Shelby Companies Limited (Shelby Limited), Knighthead acquired the remaining 51% of shares in Birmingham City Limited previously owned by ZO Future Group (formerly Birmingham Sports Holdings Limited).

Following the transaction, Shelby Limited now holds 96.64% of Birmingham City Limited, which in turn owns 100% of Birmingham City Football Club Limited and Birmingham City Women Football Club Limited.

Strategic Control and Operational Continuity

Shelby Limited, already responsible for day-to-day operations, will continue to oversee all football and commercial activities across both the men’s and women’s teams. The deal completes a multi-phase ownership transition that began in 2023, giving Knighthead full strategic autonomy to implement its long-term plans for the club and the city.

The investment marks a new chapter in Birmingham City’s transformation, which has accelerated since Knighthead first entered the club two years ago.

Leadership Perspective Knighthead Capital Birmingham City

Thomas Wagner, Chairman of Birmingham City Football Club and Co-Founding Managing Member of Knighthead, described the move as a major milestone:

“This transaction is another important milestone for Knighthead and Birmingham City Football Club. Transformation has taken place across every aspect of the Club’s operations since our initial investment — and it’s just the beginning. Later this month we will unveil our new stadium design, which will be at the heart of East Birmingham’s Sports Quarter. The ambition for our Club is to be a beacon of excellence for Birmingham on the global stage. The journey to deliver this is well underway.”

Stadium Development and Urban Regeneration

The upcoming Sports Quarter project in East Birmingham is central to Knighthead’s long-term vision. Plans include a new state-of-the-art stadium designed to anchor a broader mixed-use regeneration initiative, expected to stimulate economic activity and urban revitalization in the surrounding area.

The project will be unveiled later this month, with architectural partners Heatherwick Studio and MANICA Architecture previously confirmed as design leads. The new stadium will represent both an economic investment and a cultural statement about the city’s growing profile in sports, architecture, and entertainment.