Knighthead secures stake in Netball Super League team

Knighthead Capital, the owners of Birmingham City Football Club, has acquired a significant ownership stake in the Birmingham Panthers netball team.

Birmingham Panthers are one of two new teams who have entered the Netball Super League (NSL) in 2025 as the League embarks on a journey to professionalisation.

The investment will add another Birmingham sports team to Knighthead’s portfolio after it became the preferred private investor for a 49% stake in the Birmingham Phoenix team, which plays in The Hundred franchise.

Knighthead also is driving ambitious plans to develop a £3bn Sports Quarter in the east of the city.

A 60,000-seater stadium will be developed for Blues, alongside a sports campus with training facilities, a new academy and community pitches. The campus will go beyond sport, with leisure, commercial and residential developments set to be delivered.

The Sports Quarter is expected to create 8,400 jobs and provide £370m of growth each year, by bringing international sporting events to the region.

Tom Wagner, co-founder and co-managing member of Knighthead Capital said: “Our operations in Birmingham and the West Midlands are guided by the core principle that sport has a unique ability to bring people together.

“Netball is a sport on the rise and adding it to our portfolio is another step towards our ultimate ambition, a Sports Quarter that will promote investment and create jobs, growth and opportunities at an unprecedented scale in East Birmingham.”

Alison Kay, co-founder of the Birmingham Panthers said: “This partnership marks a significant step forward, not only for our club but for the growth of netball as a whole. Their support will allow us to strengthen our foundations, expand our reach, and inspire the next generation of players and fans. It’s an exciting time for the sport, and we’re eager to see the impact this collaboration will have on both our team and the wider netball community.”