Orlando City SC announced a new partnership with Black Knight Football Club (BKFC) today. This agreement will focus on player development, scouting, and executive collaboration, along with commercial opportunities for both clubs.
The multi-club deal involves BKFC’s network, which includes AFC Bournemouth (England), FC Lorient (France), Hibernian FC (Scotland), and Auckland FC (New Zealand). The partnership aims to connect elite talent development with best practices across North America, Latin America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region.
“We’re excited to team up with Black Knight Football Club,” said Luiz Muzzi, Senior Advisor to Ownership at Global Soccer Ventures. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to excellence both on and off the field. It’s a significant step toward expanding our global reach while providing key development opportunities for players, coaches, and staff. We look forward to exploring even more ways to collaborate as our partnership grows.”
Key features of the partnership include:
Training & Development: Players and staff from both clubs will engage in structured training programs and trials to foster growth and develop talent. These exchanges offer unique experiences in various competitive environments.
Scouting & Best Practices: Both clubs will focus on sharing scouting strategies and best practices to enhance talent identification and recruitment.
Observational Visits & Exchanges: Staff from both organizations will visit each other’s operations to share knowledge on coaching, player care, analytics, and management.
Tim Bezbatchenko, President of BKFC, commented on the partnership, “We’ve found a great partner in Orlando City SC, especially in a region that is important to us. We’re excited to build a strong relationship that benefits players and clubs from both sides, helping us succeed in player development and talent identification.”
This collaboration is a significant move for Orlando City SC as it strengthens its international connections, enhances player development, and reinforces its commitment to creating a globally connected sports ecosystem.
About Black Knight Football Club
Black Knight Football Club, led by Bill Foley and backed by Cannae Holdings, Inc., was established in 2022 with the acquisition of AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League. Since then, it has expanded to include clubs such as Auckland FC, FC Lorient, and Hibernian FC. BKFC is dedicated to improving the player and fan experience while fostering connections within each community and providing opportunities for players at all levels. The club is committed to investing in and building competitive teams worldwide.
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