Few names cover the world of professional hockey, professional soccer, financial services, and philanthropy and resonate as profoundly as that of William "Bill" P. Foley II. A man of remarkable vision, resilience, and compassion, Foley's journey from West Point cadet to the pinnacle of business success is a testament to the transformative power of leadership and the enduring impact of service to others. We are thrilled to induct William “Bill” P. Foley II into the Nevada Business Hall of Fame for these accomplishments and more.
Foley's journey begins at the esteemed United States Military Academy at West Point, where he cultivated the values of duty, honor, and country that would define his life's work. After graduating with a degree in engineering, Foley embarked on a distinguished military career, rising to the rank of captain in the U.S. Air Force. His exemplary service and unwavering commitment to excellence earned him the prestigious Distinguished Graduate Award from West Point — a testament to his character, leadership, and enduring legacy.
Following West Point, Foley would later pursue and graduate with an M.B.A. from Seattle University and a J.D. from the University of Washington. In 1984, he founded Fidelity National Financial, the nation’s largest title insurance company, through its title underwriters Fidelity National Title, Chicago Title, and Ticor Title. The company has repeatedly been named to Fortune’s list of America’s Most Admired Companies, Forbes’ list of America’s Best Big Companies and selected for Barron’s list of Best Companies for Investors. He also currently serves as chairman of Cannae Holdings and vice chairman of Fidelity National Information Services, number 301 on the Fortune 500 roster, and a global provider of core processing for financial institutions.
Driven by a passion for sports and a spirit of innovation, Foley embarked on a journey to reshape the hockey landscape, founding the Vegas Golden Knights (VGK)–a historic milestone in Las Vegas' history. Under Foley's visionary leadership, the Golden Knights soared to unprecedented heights, rewriting the record books in their inaugural season and capturing the Stanley Cup in 2023. Foley is also the owner of the Henderson Silver Knights, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Vegas Golden Knights. Beyond their on-ice success, the Golden Knights emerged as a beacon of community spirit, fostering a hockey renaissance in Nevada and inspiring countless individuals of all ages and backgrounds to embrace the sport. VGK President Kerry Bulbolz said, “Bill was the catalyst. He took the risk to bring major professional sports to Las Vegas, and look where we are today, hosting the Super Bowl, Formula 1, and all the great sporting events in the future.”
In recent years, Foley has expanded from hockey to football and soccer. In 2021, he purchased an expansion team, the Vegas Knight Hawks, in the Indoor Football League. He is also owner of Black Knight Football Club, which owns AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League and has a significant investment in FC Lorient of France’s Ligue 1. Most recently, he was awarded a license for a new A-Leagues expansion football club, part of the Australian Professional League, and purchased a significant minority share in the Scottish football club Hibernian FC.
In addition to his groundbreaking ventures in finances, technology, and sports, Foley has a deep-seated commitment to philanthropy and giving back. Through initiatives like the Folded Flag Foundation and the Foley Family Charitable Foundation, he has provided critical support to military families, educational programs, and community initiatives, leaving a lasting legacy of compassion and generosity. Through the Vegas Golden Knights Foundation, he has forged deep connections with the community, leveraging the Vegas Golden Knight's platform to support charitable initiatives that enrich lives and uplift communities. Whether through scholarships for Gold Star Families or donations to local charities, Foley's commitment to giving back has touched the lives of countless individuals and families, leaving an indelible mark on the Las Vegas community. Lee Business School is honored to have him as an inductee of the 2024 Nevada Business Hall of Fame.