Sir James Dyson acquires stake in Bath Rugby
Sir James Dyson, the billionaire inventor whose family fortune was valued at £23 billion in the 2023 Sunday Times Rich List, has agreed to acquire a 50 per cent stake in Bath Rugby, reports BritPanorama.
The deal, believed to be worth tens of millions of pounds, follows the Rugby Football Union’s recent decision to scrap relegation from the Premiership. This structural change has been instrumental in facilitating this significant investment.
While Sir James’ technology company has sponsored the club since 2014, this investment marks his first personal stake in the West Country side. At 78 years old, he has been a fan of Bath Rugby for over four decades, making him one of the club’s most loyal supporters.
Bruce Craig, who assumed full ownership of Bath in 2010, will continue in his role as chairman while sharing equal ownership with Sir James. This partnership has secured the approval of Premiership club owners, the RFU, and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
Sources indicate that the new alliance was expedited by the recent changes in the league’s operational structure, notably the removal of the RFU’s council from key decision-making processes within Premiership Rugby.
A source informed the Telegraph that these changes played a crucial role in the timing of Sir James’s investment, stating, “It will also make things far easier in terms of bank finance, especially with the new stadium. The bank’s first question was always: ‘What happens if you get relegated?'” Sir James’ investment will enable him to co-own the Bath Rugby holding company, which manages the club and its essential facilities, including the Recreation Ground stadium and training complex at Farleigh House.
The historic ground is set for a £70 million transformation into a venue dubbed Arena 1865, allowing the club to eliminate much of its existing debt through funding from the technology tycoon. Bath recently achieved their first league championship in 29 years and confirmed the completion of the required salary cap audit for the 2024/25 season.
Sir James eloquently expressed his deep connection to the club, remarking, “This is the club I have supported for most of my life. My children and my grandchildren do so, too. I stood on the terraces and have watched the high moments as well as the difficult years.” He commended Craig for his leadership in transforming Bath into a competitive force, stating, “I am here to support, just as I have for the past 45 years, but now with greater commitment and responsibility.”
Craig described the partnership as a natural progression, noting that “James understands Bath first and foremost as a supporter and a friend. His family has stood behind the club for decades.” As this new chapter begins, the emphasis will be on strengthening Bath’s competitive stance in the Premiership, reinforcing the idea that the club is not just about sport, but also a vital part of the community’s identity.
