Sir James Dyson Acquires 50% Stake in Bath Rugby to Back New Stadium Project

Sir James Dyson, founder of Dyson, has acquired a 50% ownership stake in Bath Rugby in a landmark investment designed to support the club’s long-term development — including plans for a new stadium.

The deal sees Dyson take a stake in the wider group structure encompassing the club, Arena 1865 — the entity responsible for the proposed stadium — and the Farleigh training base. The investment includes what the club described as “substantial new capital,” aimed at reducing existing debt and accelerating progress on the new stadium project, with construction expected to begin in the 2027 off-season.

A Long-Term Partnership

The agreement formalises a 50-50 partnership between Dyson and current owner Bruce Craig, who will continue to oversee the club’s operations and strategic direction.

Craig, who has owned Bath Rugby since 2009, will remain at the helm as the club enters its next phase. Dyson, meanwhile, brings not only financial backing but decades of personal connection, having supported the club for more than 45 years. His company has also been a principal sponsor since 2014.

Dyson emphasised that his role is not to reshape the club’s identity, but to strengthen it:

“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.”

“Bruce deserves enormous respect for rebuilding the club to be the force that it is today and I am not here to change that. I am here to support, just as I have for the past 45 years but now with greater commitment and responsibility.”

“My family and I are proud to stand alongside Bruce as equal partners to further strengthen the foundations of Bath Rugby, realise the new stadium and help ensure its future. Bath Rugby matters deeply to this city and its wonderful supporters who are the most dedicated in the land.”

Despite his increased involvement, Dyson has ruled out attaching his company’s name to the new stadium, stating that it should carry “someone else’s name.”

Building for the Future

Craig framed the investment as a natural progression in the club’s long-term strategy:

“This has never been a short-term project. From the beginning the aim has been to build something resilient, competitive and worthy of the club’s history.”

“James understands Bath Rugby first and foremost as a supporter and a friend. His family has stood behind the club for decades and it always felt inevitable that our paths would align in this way.”

“I will continue to run Bath Rugby and together we will strengthen its foundations, realise the new stadium and build the club for generations to come.”

Stadium Plans Moving Forward

The proposed redevelopment will see an 18,000-seat stadium constructed at the club’s historic home, the Recreation Ground.

Momentum behind the project has grown in recent months. In September, Steve Reed confirmed he would not intervene in the planning process, allowing the scheme to proceed following local approval. Bath and North East Somerset Council had already voted 8–1 in favour of the development — a decision the club described as a “landmark moment.”

With fresh investment secured and planning hurdles cleared, Bath Rugby now appears well-positioned to deliver one of the most significant infrastructure projects in English club rugby.