EFL Championship football club Birmingham City has announced a multi-year partnership with Oak View Group (OVF) Europe.
As per the deal, US-based sports and commercial real estate company OVG will work with the Blues to develop ‘a long-term strategy to maximise the commercial value of St. Andrew’s and the club’s training grounds.’
OVG is set to create a new commercial framework for future infrastructure projects headed by Knighthead Capital Management, the New York-based investment firm that took over the club in July 2023.
Garry Cook, Chief Executive Officer at Birmingham City FC, said, “It is very important for Birmingham City to join with ambitious businesses who align with the ambition of the club. Our long-term goals are unprecedented, and we are pleased to attract the global expertise OVG can bring to the club.”
“OVG has a track record that is second to none, especially in maximising naming rights and ancillary benefits for existing stadiums and new builds. This will be a significant asset for Blues. Revenues generated by OVG will be invested directly back into the Club, supporting our drive to become world class across everything that we do.”
Tim Leiweke, Chairman and Founder of OVG, added, “Currently, OVG is developing Co-op Live, the most sophisticated international Arena ever built in the U.K., and the most expensive outside of the U.S. And we seek to work with other like-minded, entrepreneurial partners.
“Clearly, Birmingham City and their vision for the club and stadium are world class and highly ambitious. We are excited and focused on helping Tom Wagner and Garry Cook deliver on their vision and commitment to Birmingham”.
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