Insights from Jim Frevola on Bournemouth AFC’s Growth Ambitions
Jim Frevola, who serves as the president of business and a board member for Bournemouth AFC, recently participated in a video interview where he shared insights about the club’s growth ambitions in the United States. Frevola, a former executive with experience across major sports leagues like MLB and the NFL, expressed his views while playfully blocking his ears, indicating his strong stance against the idea of hosting competitive Premier League matches in the States.
Club Ownership and Recent Performance
The club, owned by American billionaire Bill Foley, who is also linked with teams such as the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights and various football clubs worldwide, aims to build its brand in America. Recently, Bournemouth took part in the Premier League Summer Series, competing against notable teams including Manchester United and Everton, finishing the last season in a commendable ninth place in the league.
Frevola’s Stance on U.S. Matches
Frevola firmly supported Foley’s position that regular league matches should remain in the UK.
“I don’t like that idea,”
he stated, referring to the prospect of bringing matches to the U.S. He highlighted that merely hosting games abroad wouldn’t inherently enhance Bournemouth’s brand.
“You don’t need Bournemouth to play Brentford in MetLife Stadium for our brand to grow,”
he emphasized.
Financial Challenges and Future Plans
Bournemouth has found itself facing significant financial challenges, with a recent report showing a loss of £55.9 million against total operating costs of £225.5 million for the 2023-24 season. More than half of this expenditure was allocated to player salaries, revealing the high financial stakes involved in being a Premier League club. In an effort to bolster income, plans are underway to increase the Vitality Stadium’s capacity from 11,379 to 20,000 by the 2027-28 season, along with a £32 million investment in a new training complex.
Frevola points out that despite having the lowest matchday revenue in the league, selling players at a profit has helped stabilize finances, citing the recent sale of talents such as Dominic Solanke for a substantial fee. He noted ongoing strategic recruitment efforts that could sustain the team’s future success.
Building a U.S. Presence
Bournemouth is also keen on solidifying its presence in the U.S. After attracting attention last summer with a visit to California, they engaged in partnerships with American brands such as City National Bank, creating cross-promotional opportunities with the Golden Knights.
Explaining Bournemouth to Americans, Frevola likened it to
“the Palm Beach of England,”
referencing its appealing beaches and desirability among the British elite. He aims to attract a fanbase that appreciates football beyond the glamor of top-tier teams like Arsenal or Manchester United.
Marketing Strategies and Future Outlook
Reflecting on his experience with the Golden Knights, Frevola compared the marketing strategies of both teams, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in promoting Bournemouth as an attractive destination without altering the essence of English football. He recounted initial fears that the U.S. investment might Americanize matchday experiences, countering that the goal was not to make English football resemble a Las Vegas spectacle.
Looking ahead, Frevola acknowledged the need for a long-term dedication to establishing a foothold in America, expressing confidence that patience and strategic initiatives would eventually yield results. As Bournemouth continues to scale its efforts both on and off the pitch, Frevola remains committed to balancing business acumen with respect for football’s rich traditions, ensuring that they expand their brand in a way that retains the beloved spirit of the game.
