Edinburgh, June 25, 2025 — In a significant move reshaping the Scottish Premiership, Tony Bloom, chairman and majority owner of Brighton & Hove Albion, has completed a £9.86 million investment to acquire a 29% non-voting stake in Heart of Midlothian F.C. (“Hearts”). The deal, formally approved today, includes the appointment of James Franks, Bloom’s long-time business adviser, as a non-executive director on the Tynecastle board.
Why the Deal?
- Funding for Ambition: Hearts finished 7th in the Premiership last season, reached the Scottish Cup semi-finals, and competed in the Conference League. Bloom’s investment—equivalent to half the club’s annual turnover—provides a significant financial boost.
- Maintaining Fan Control: The stake is structured as non-voting shares; the Foundation of Hearts retains its 75.1% control. The deal was overwhelmingly approved by foundation members, with 98.5% in favour during a May vote.
- No Feeder-Club Structure: Official statements confirm Hearts will not become a feeder club for Brighton or Bloom’s other investments, such as Union Saint-Gilloise and Melbourne Victory.
Strategic Partnership & Board Influence
- James Franks has joined the board to represent Bloom. With deep experience in football governance, he’s expected to guide Hearts in operational best practices.
- Bloom holds a minority stake in Union Saint-Gilloise, champions of the 2024–25 Belgian Pro League, and recently took a 19.1% stake in Melbourne Victory—all of which are separate from stylistic or functional ties between the clubs.
- Hearts also recently partnered with Jamestown Analytics—Bloom’s recruitment data firm—influencing scouting strategies. New manager Derek McInnes has embraced this data-driven recruitment approach.
Tumultuous Scottish Football Landscape
Scottish football is dominated by Celtic and Rangers, known as the “Old Firm.” No club outside that duopoly has won the league since Aberdeen in 1984, and Hearts’ last league title was in 1960.
Bloom described his investment as transformational:
“I firmly believe in the club’s ability to disrupt the pattern of domination of Scottish football which has been in place for far too long.
Broader Multi-Club Ownership Trend
This deal aligns with evolving multi-club ownership models across Europe. The English Football League recently amended its rules, now allowing club owners to invest in Scottish and Irish clubs—opening doors for strategic investments such as this
Short-Term & Long-Term Impacts
Immediate Benefits:
- A £10m capital injection will improve squad quality and infrastructure, potentially accelerating ambitions on and off the pitch .
- Hearts can enhance their recruitment with Jamestown Analytics insights already deployed within Brighton and USG.
Potential Risks/Challenges:
- Legendary Hearts manager Jim Jefferies warns that data alone isn’t enough—effective recruitment, coaching consistency, and organizational culture will be key.
- Bloom’s stake remains non-controlling and non-voting, leaving ultimate authority with fan-elected directors and the Foundation.
What Happens Next?
- An Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) will be held to formalize the share issue and Bloom’s board appointment
- Hearts will leverage the funds to strengthen both playing squad and training facilities.
- Coach McInnes, backed by Bloom’s analytics, aims to restore Tynecastle’s unbeaten home aura and challenge the Old Firm’s stranglehold .
Final Thoughts
Tony Bloom’s £9.86m investment and 29% non-voting stake signal a pivotal shift for Heart of Midlothian. By combining capital, analytics, and governance expertise—with fan ownership intact—Hearts are entering a bold new era. The key question remains: can this mix of tools, strategy, and fresh direction help them compete with Scotland’s giants? The upcoming season will be the true test.
