AFC Bournemouth qualified for the UEFA Europa League for the first time in the club's 127-year history after finishing sixth in the Premier League with 57 points, according to Cannae Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNNE).

The achievement represents the club's highest-ever Premier League finish and marks a second consecutive year of record points for Bournemouth. The team secured European qualification following an 18-match unbeaten run to conclude the 2025-26 season.

Cannae Holdings owns AFC Bournemouth through Black Knight Football Club, which acquired the team in 2022 when it was in 19th place in the Premier League. The club was playing in English football's third tier less than 15 years ago.

"Qualifying for the Europa League represents the next step in the Club's journey and demonstrates the exceptional work of the coaching staff, players and management team," said William P. Foley II, Vice Chairman of Cannae Holdings and General Partner of Black Knight Football.

The qualification comes after Bournemouth sold key players for more than $350 million across two transfer windows, including what the company described as the most valuable individual player transfer globally during the winter 2025-26 window. The club was named Europe's second most profitable trading club in the summer 2025-26 window, according to Tifosy research cited in the announcement.

Black Knight Football Club operates a multi-club ownership strategy that includes full ownership of AFC Bournemouth and FC Lorient in France, plus a majority stake in Moreirense FC in Portugal. The group maintains strategic affiliations with clubs in New Zealand, the United States and Japan.

Europa League participation brings increased broadcast revenues, commercial opportunities and enhanced brand recognition for the Bournemouth-based club, which plays home matches at Vitality Stadium.