Hull Sporting Club enters a new chapter following a strategic ownership agreement between Banyan Holding and founder Richard Smales.
Hull Sporting Club can confirm that Banyan Holding has acquired a 50% stake in the club following an agreement with founder Richard Smales.
The agreement came into effect on 5 June 2025 and marked an important step in the long-term development of Hull Sporting Club.
The investment brought together Richard Smales’ founding vision for the club with Banyan Holding’s wider experience across business development, sport, commercial growth and international operations.
The new ownership structure was created to support Hull Sporting Club’s next phase of growth, both on and off the pitch.
Since its formation, Hull Sporting Club has been built on ambition, hard work and community values. The agreement with Banyan Holding provides the club with additional strategic support as it continues to develop its football operations, commercial structure, digital presence and community engagement.
Richard Smales remains an important part of the club’s story as its founder, having created the foundations on which Hull Sporting Club continues to grow.
This agreement gives Hull Sporting Club a stronger platform for long-term growth while respecting the foundations Richard has built from the beginning.
— Hull Sporting Club
Banyan Holding’s involvement is intended to strengthen those foundations and support the club’s long-term ambition to become a sustainable, community-rooted football club with professional standards and a clear development pathway.
As part of the club’s wider growth plans, SINFIN will support Hull Sporting Club as a strategic partner across commercial growth, fan engagement and digital development.
This agreement represents the beginning of a new chapter for Hull Sporting Club — one focused on structure, sustainability and long-term growth.
From the dock to the dream, the journey continues.