- Wed Mar 18, 2026 5:19 pm
#78044
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/eedb82591924407c
Sir James Dyson has agreed to buy 50 per cent of Bath after the Rugby Football Union abolished relegation from the top flight.
Telegraph Sport understands the investment of Dyson, who had an estimated family net worth of £23bn in the 2023 Sunday Times Rich List, is in the tens of millions. The business magnate will become co-owner alongside current chairman Bruce Craig.
Sir James’s company, Dyson, has sponsored Bath since 2014 but this is the first personal investment of the founder, who has been a fan of the club for more than 45 years.
It is understood the partnership has been expedited by the evolving nature of the Prem, which recently abolished relegation and removed the RFU’s council from the league’s decision-making process. Insiders are adamant that further investment into the league and individual clubs will be forthcoming.
“That was definitely a factor in the timing of Sir James’s investment,” said a source. “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?’”
Craig and Dyson will each own 50 per cent of Bath, who ended their 29-year wait for a league title last season, but the former will continue to run the club as chairman. The ownership rejig has received approval from the Prem owners, the RFU and Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
Sir James Dyson has agreed to buy 50 per cent of Bath after the Rugby Football Union abolished relegation from the top flight.
Telegraph Sport understands the investment of Dyson, who had an estimated family net worth of £23bn in the 2023 Sunday Times Rich List, is in the tens of millions. The business magnate will become co-owner alongside current chairman Bruce Craig.
Sir James’s company, Dyson, has sponsored Bath since 2014 but this is the first personal investment of the founder, who has been a fan of the club for more than 45 years.
It is understood the partnership has been expedited by the evolving nature of the Prem, which recently abolished relegation and removed the RFU’s council from the league’s decision-making process. Insiders are adamant that further investment into the league and individual clubs will be forthcoming.
“That was definitely a factor in the timing of Sir James’s investment,” said a source. “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?’”
Craig and Dyson will each own 50 per cent of Bath, who ended their 29-year wait for a league title last season, but the former will continue to run the club as chairman. The ownership rejig has received approval from the Prem owners, the RFU and Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
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