From Bournemouth to Basketball? Bill Foley Eyes NBA Expansion Team

When AFC Bournemouth owner Bill Foley makes a bold prediction, it is often worth paying attention.

The American businessman has built a reputation for setting ambitious targets and, more often than not, delivering on them. Now, the man behind Bournemouth's remarkable rise has announced his latest sporting ambition: bringing an NBA franchise to Las Vegas.

Foley's ownership group confirmed this week that it is pursuing a bid for a new NBA expansion team, with Las Vegas and Seattle currently being explored by the league as potential expansion markets. Should the bid succeed, it would represent another major addition to an already impressive sporting portfolio that spans North America, Europe and Oceania.

For Bournemouth supporters, Foley's track record speaks for itself.

Shortly after completing his takeover of the Cherries in 2022, Foley confidently declared that the club would avoid relegation from the Premier League. His memorable "I guarantee it" statement raised eyebrows at the time, but Bournemouth comfortably secured survival and have not looked back since.

Perhaps even more famously, Foley outlined an ambition for Bournemouth to qualify for European competition within five seasons. Critics viewed the target as wildly optimistic for one of the Premier League's smallest clubs. Yet under his ownership, the Cherries achieved European qualification a year ahead of schedule, securing continental football in just four seasons.

His success has not been limited to the south coast. Foley's sporting empire has continued to expand through the Black Knight Football Club model, which now includes Bournemouth, FC Lorient, Moreirense FC and Auckland FC.

Lorient became part of the network in 2023, giving Bournemouth a strategic foothold in France. The partnership has enabled greater collaboration in scouting, recruitment and player development, while helping expand Black Knight's football operations across Europe. Bournemouth's recent public congratulations to Lorient on their centenary highlighted the growing bond between the two clubs.

Meanwhile, Foley's newest football venture has enjoyed immediate success. Upon launching Auckland FC, he confidently stated: "We will be successful." The club promptly delivered, winning both the A-League and OFC Professional League titles during the 2025-26 campaign.

His original sporting project may still be the strongest example of his vision. Foley founded the Vegas Golden Knights as an NHL expansion franchise in 2017. Within six seasons they had lifted the Stanley Cup, vindicating his belief that a new franchise could quickly become a champion.

Now Foley is attempting to repeat the feat in basketball.

"Las Vegas has earned its place among great sports cities in America, and an NBA team belongs here," Foley said when announcing the bid.

Given his history of turning ambitious promises into reality, few Bournemouth fans would be willing to bet against him.