Birmingham City Owner Tom Wagner Making Strong Recovery After Stroke
Birmingham City Football Club has announced that its owner, Tom Wagner, is recovering from a recent stroke. The 56-year-old American businessman, who became the club's chairman in 2023, is reportedly making a good recovery thanks to prompt medical attention.
Rapid Intervention and Excellent Care
A statement released by the club on February 11, 2026, provided an update on Wagner's health. It detailed that "thanks to rapid medical intervention, he received immediate treatment and is now receiving excellent care." This swift action has been credited with facilitating his positive progress.
While Wagner will be stepping back from his daily responsibilities for a period, the club emphasized that his connection to Birmingham City remains strong. "Tom remains closely connected to the club, and we all look forward to welcoming him back," the statement read. This reassures fans and stakeholders that his dedication to the Blues is undiminished.
Unwavering Commitment to Birmingham City
The ownership group, Knighthead Capital Management, co-founded by Wagner, has demonstrated a significant commitment to Birmingham City since acquiring a substantial stake. Initially purchasing 45.98% in 2023, their ownership share increased to an impressive 96.64% by November of the previous year. This substantial investment underscores their long-term vision for the club.
Knighthead's commitment extends beyond mere ownership. The club also revealed plans in November for a new 62,000-seat stadium, a project that signals ambitious aspirations for the future of Birmingham City. This development, coupled with Wagner's personal investment and vision, highlights a significant era of change and potential for the Midlands club.
Ambitions for the Premier League
Tom Wagner took the helm at Birmingham City during a period of transition, and his tenure has been marked by a clear drive towards success. The club secured promotion back to the Championship last season, a significant achievement that has fueled ambitions to return to the Premier League for the first time since 2011.
Currently sitting 10th in the Championship table, Birmingham City are in a strong position, just a single point outside the coveted top six playoff places. Their upcoming FA Cup fifth-round tie against Leeds United on Sunday presents another opportunity for the team to showcase its progress and potential under the current leadership.
Club Operations Continue as Normal
Despite the temporary absence of their chairman from daily duties, Birmingham City Football Club has assured supporters that operations will continue smoothly. "Birmingham City Football Club is incredibly important to Tom and to the entire Knighthead team. Their commitment to the club is unchanged, and our plans and operations continue as normal under strong leadership," the club stated.
This message aims to provide reassurance to the fanbase, emphasizing the stability and continued strategic direction of the club. The focus remains on achieving the club's long-term goals, including a return to top-flight football, with the Knighthead team firmly in place to steer the ship.
The news of Tom Wagner's stroke has understandably drawn attention, but the swift medical response and the positive early signs of recovery offer a hopeful outlook. His continued connection and the unwavering commitment of the Knighthead team suggest that Birmingham City's journey towards its ambitious targets will persist, with fans eagerly anticipating the full return of their chairman.