Milton Keynes Dons FC is building a new future. Following the purchase of the club in the summer of 2024 by a Kuwaiti consortium led by Fahad Al Ghanim, the vision is clear: to create football club the city of Milton Keynes can be proud of and get behind.
With some of the best facilities in the EFL and a renewed ambition to rise well beyond its current League Two position, the Dons are determined to deliver success both on and off the pitch. The steady start to the 2025/26 season is only the beginning, while new commercial partnerships and matchday experiences have been refreshed, everyone knows that results on the pitch are what matter most to supporters.
“The city is desperate for a successful football club and we see the opportunity in front of us,” said Group CEO Neil Hart. “Clubs like Bournemouth, Brighton and Wrexham have shown what can be achieved with the right people, the right strategy and sensible investment. We want to take this football club on a journey through the EFL pyramid – let’s see how far we can go.
“The foundations are already in place, Stadium MK, with its hotel and Arena, is a facility that rivals many in the country. When working at full potential, it can feed directly into building a sustainable business and a football team capable of bringing success to the city.
“Like any business, football is about careful investment. Recruiting the right manager and the right players is a blend of judgement and science, and Milton Keynes Dons is committed to getting that balance right. Listening to supporters and strengthening the bond between club and fans has been a priority – bar areas have been reopened, food offerings upgraded with vegetarian and halal options, and beverage options improved. We want to make fans feel valued and ensure they leave matchdays proud of their club.
“Ultimately, success on the pitch is what defines us and how supporters and residents feel about the club. But good facilities, stronger operations, and great communications between club and supporters all adds to whether fans go home smiling.”
Milton Keynes Dons and the Stadium MK Group is more than a football club, employing around 450 staff, the club’s reach extends across the city. Stadium MK, which itself holds 30,500 spectators, also includes the 305-bedroom DoubleTree by Hilton hotel with its ballroom event space; and Arena MK, a state-of-the-art indoor venue that holds around 5,000 people. The group also owns and operates one of the most listened to community radio stations in the city in MKFM and has recently taken on the operating licence for the National Bowl.
With a capacity of up to 60,000, the National Bowl is set to bring back large scale live music events, with The Prodigy already confirmed for summer 2026. This complements the Arena and Stadium’s offering for 2026 and strengthens Milton Keynes as a destination for music and entertainment.
Beyond entertainment, Milton Keynes Dons not only works closely with community stakeholders including Milton Keynes College and the City Council, but it has also partnered with Willen Hospice, MK Hospital Charity, and its own club charity, Milton Keynes Dons Community Trust for the 25/26 season. The club is committed to being a platform that benefits the city and its wider community.
The club is committed to working with local businesses, having recently launched Milton Keynes Dons Business Alliance. This is designed to drive businesses forward, and offers collaborative networking, brand visibility across stadium platforms, and hospitality and advertising options.
“Connecting with the club gives businesses a massive audience and a huge opportunity to sell their services,” said Neil. “Whether they want to spend modest amounts or invest in the club through higher level sponsorships, we want them to see us as a partnership that delivers a return on investment. We are also pleased to confirm the club is also now in the market for Stadium Naming Rights partner.”
It’s just over 20 years since Wimbledon FC relocated to Milton Keynes and became MK Dons. While the club doesn’t have the 150 year history of others, its relative newness brings unique opportunities.
“Football has changed enormously in the past two decades, and Milton Keynes Dons is carving out its own identity,” said Neil. “We’re respectful of the past, but we’re firmly focused on the here and now.
“Milton Keynes itself is a city that sometimes gets unfair criticism, but it is vibrant, connected, and ambitious. With excellent transport links, a thriving business community, and a shopping experience to rival many UK cities, it is a place to be proud of.”
The mission is simple: to make MK Dons the club the city deserves. “If we can deliver on that, then the city will get behind us. One City, One Club.”
With the backing of Fahad Al Ghanim and the Kuwaiti consortium, and with the commitment to success on and off the pitch, the future looks bright.
Find out more on the Milton Keynes Dons FC website.
