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Exclusive: Brentford well placed to agree sponsor deals after new hires

James holds a degree in Sports Journalism and Communications (MA) from the Real Madrid Graduate School. He has experience working for a number of local news outlets as well as the Sunday Mirror and Real Madrid TV. James is from Scunthorpe and has an affinity with Scunthorpe United, but is also a huge West Ham supporter and an expert on all things to do with the Hammers. He started working for Breaking Media in July 2023, initially writing on the Club Sites, where he specialised in West Ham content, before moving to Football Insider – where he is now an expert in football finance, speaking regularly with Stefan Borson and Keith Wyness to generate high-quality content in all things related to finance in the Premier League, Football League, and Scottish Premiership.

Published on:

06 Mar 2026, 11:09 am

Brentford are well placed to agree new commercial deals following their latest hires at the Gtech Community Stadium, sources have told Football Insider.

It was announced earlier this week Blackstone executive Prakash Melwani and Sir Lucian Grainge, who is chairman of Universal Music Group (UMG), have joined the board of Best Intentions Analytics, the Bees’ holding company.

Blackstone is a New York-based alternative investment firm, while UMG is the world’s leading music company, representing the likes of Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber and Drake.

Sources say links to those companies will allow the Premier League club to tap into new commercial opportunities.

That would provide a boost to Brentford’s financial situation as they look to increase their revenues in west London.

We announce today that we have strengthened our ownership base with further investment and the appointment of two new Directors to the Board of our holding company
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) March 2, 2026

How Brentford have secured new investment

There have been some changes to the ownership at the Gtech over the past year following new investment.

Brentford’s majority owner Matthew Benham transferred his shares into Best Intentions Analytics last year in a bid to attract external investment.

It was then confirmed UK-based South African businessman Gary Lubner and English filmmaker Matthew Vaughn had bought a minority stake in Brentford’s holding company.

It was reported at the time the deal valued the Bees at around £400million.

Brentford manager Keith Andrews stands on the touchline during a game.

Keith Andrews was appointed as Brentford's manager last summer (Credit: Imago)

Alongside the appointments of Melwani and Grainge, it was confirmed Vaughn and Lubner have now increased their stake in the club's holding company.

Vaughn, who founded MARV Studios, is best known for producing films such as the Kingsman franchise, Kick-Ass and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.

Meanwhile, Lubner is the founder of This Day Foundation and the former chief executive of vehicle glass repair firm Belron.

How Brentford have increased their revenue

Brentford published their latest accounts for 2024-25 last month, showing their revenue improved from £167m in 2023-24 to £173m – marking a new club record.

That was backed by an increase in broadcast revenue, which rose from £128m to £140m after finishing 10th in the Premier League under former manager Thomas Frank.

The Bees’ commercial income dropped from £28m to £21m, while matchday revenue improved slightly from £11m to £12m.

Brentford are on course to qualify for Europe following their strong form this season (Credit: Imago)

Brentford are currently on course to qualify for European football this season, with Keith Andrews’s side sitting seventh in the Premier League table.

They are now preparing to take on West Ham in the FA Cup fifth round on Monday (9 March) before returning to top-flight action a week later against bottom side Wolves.

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