The Rugby Football League (RFL) is in advanced discussions with several private equity firms over selling a stake in the Super League, following renewed investor interest after the collapse of a proposed deal with Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL).
Among the interested parties is U.S.-based LionCap Global, which recently established a UK subsidiary ahead of potential investment, while Oakwell Sports Advisory — known for facilitating CVC Capital Partners’ rugby union deals — has also held talks with the RFL.
Rugby League Commercial, the RFL’s commercial arm, confirmed that recapitalisation of the sport is one of its key strategic priorities and noted that multiple groups have expressed interest, calling rugby league “a strong investment proposition.”
The discussions coincide with a significant moment for the sport: Hull KR’s Grand Final win marked the club’s first in 21 years and capped a historic domestic treble. The long-awaited Ashes series between England and Australia also kicks off later this month, providing additional momentum for rugby league’s resurgence.
The potential sale comes as the RFL faces governance scrutiny and risks losing £16 million in Sport England funding. The ongoing strategic review recommends expanding Super League to 14 clubs next season, with a larger league expected to attract a higher valuation.
While the exact size of the proposed stake remains undisclosed, the RFL previously explored a similar sale during the financial strain of the Covid-19 pandemic. Talks with the NRL earlier this year failed to progress after differing visions on league structure, as several northern clubs rejected a proposed “NRL Europe” model.
The move aligns with a broader trend of private equity investment in sports, with CVC holding stakes in Premiership Rugby and other leagues exploring similar opportunities.
Source: The Guardian
