$30 Million Shockwaves! Tony Bloom Stuns Nation with Historic Stadium Donation: “Brighton & Hove Pride is in My Blood”
In a stunning announcement that has sent shockwaves through the sporting world, Brighton & Hove Albion chairman Tony Bloom has pledged a record-breaking $30 million donation toward the expansion and redevelopment of the club’s stadium and surrounding facilities, with a major focus on celebrating and supporting LGBTQ+ inclusion and Brighton & Hove Pride.
Bloom, a lifelong Brighton resident and widely respected football visionary, made the surprise announcement at a Pride Month event held at the American Express Stadium this weekend. Addressing a packed crowd of club supporters, LGBTQ+ activists, and community leaders, Bloom declared: “Brighton & Hove Pride is in my blood. This city, this club — they represent more than just football. They stand for community, identity, and unity.”
The donation, which marks one of the largest individual contributions in UK sports history, will fund a sweeping set of initiatives, including a new multi-purpose pavilion named “The Pride Stand,” stadium accessibility upgrades, enhanced training facilities for women’s and youth teams, and a year-round community hub focused on inclusion, wellness, and education.
Bloom’s gesture arrives at a time when the intersection of sport and social justice is gaining increasing attention, and his leadership is being hailed across football and LGBTQ+ advocacy circles.
“Tony Bloom is once again proving that football can be a force for good,” said Stonewall UK spokesperson Reena Patel. “This is about more than bricks and mortar. This is a cultural statement.”
Brighton & Hove Albion has long been regarded as a progressive club, with a strong record on diversity, anti-discrimination, and fan engagement. Bloom’s latest move further cements the Seagulls’ status as a modern, socially conscious football institution.
The club has also confirmed that a portion of the funds will be allocated to educational outreach programs in local schools, partnerships with LGBTQ+ charities, and scholarships for underrepresented youth interested in pursuing careers in sports, business, and leadership.
Fans and public figures alike flooded social media with messages of admiration, many calling the donation a “landmark moment” for both football and the LGBTQ+ community.
While Bloom’s business acumen and passion for Brighton are well known, this extraordinary act of generosity has struck a deeply emotional chord with fans: a hometown hero using his platform not just to elevate the club — but to uplift an entire city.
As Bloom closed his speech with the words, “This is about pride — in every sense of the word,” the crowd rose in a standing ovation that echoed through the stadium, and far beyond.