When Bournemouth secured a club-best sixth-place finish in the Premier League last month, it marked a milestone that seemed improbable when Bill Foley took over in 2022. The club, which had finished 15th in Foley’s first season, will now compete in the UEFA Europa League for the first time.

Foley, also owner of the Vegas Golden Knights, has drawn parallels between his two franchises. He likened midfielder Tyler Adams to Knights captain Mark Stone, calling him “the guy that motivates and then directs (the game), and he’s genuine.” Adams joined Bournemouth in 2023 and has been instrumental in the club’s ascent.

Adams, a 27-year-old U.S. men’s national team starter, will be the face of a watch party at Circa’s Stadium Swim on Friday as the U.S. faces Australia in the World Cup group stage. Bournemouth partnered with the venue to celebrate Adams’ return to home soil, offering exclusive special-edition jerseys inspired by him.

Reflecting on the Americans’ World Cup opener at SoFi Stadium, Adams said, “It was an incredible sight. And that’s the motivation, the inspiration, our whole goal of this whole thing. To inspire people to just love the game that we love.”

Foley’s investment extends beyond the pitch. He has bought back the stadium and secured planning permission for redevelopment. In the U.S., Bournemouth has marketed its culture through collaborations, including a special-edition jersey designed by actor and limited partner Michael B. Jordan. The club also partnered with the LVCVA to feature the Visit Las Vegas logo on training wear, and the Knights held a Bournemouth-themed night in March.

Adams credited Foley’s ambition: “He’s not afraid to say what he wants and go after (it). And he’s been successful in everything that he’s wished for.” Foley, who famously delivered a Stanley Cup to Vegas in six years, has beaten his own projection of taking Bournemouth to Europe in five. After qualification, he wrote to supporters, closing with the Knights’ motto: “Always advance, never retreat.”