American consortium completes shock deal to buy Kelty Hearts
The businessmen have bought 80% of the League 1 club
news.stv.tvKelty Hearts were reported to have been purchased by an American consortium in January 2026, taking an 80% stake and appointing a new director, with the deal described as securing the club’s future. The new owners aim to build on the club’s recent rise and maintain its community roots, while investing in infrastructure, academy, and first-team development. The club had been at the bottom end of Scottish League One prior to the takeover, with the sale framed as a turning-point for long-term sustainability.[1][2]
Key context:
- What happened: 80% ownership transfer to The Hearts Football Club LLC, led by Jordan Gardner, with the remaining 20% kept by Kelty Hearts FC Members Ltd.[2]
- Immediate impact: Gardner installed as director; outgoing board members retain some representation; focus on sustainable growth and community ties.[2]
- Background: Kelty Hearts have risen through the Scottish pyramid in the past decade and reached SPFL promotion in 2021; there has been significant attention on how new ownership will affect on-pitch performance and off-pitch development.[3][4]
If you’d like, I can pull the latest match results or summarize how the ownership change has influenced squad changes, sponsorship, or infrastructure plans with timestamps from reliable sources.