The Rugby Football League (RFL) is in advanced talks with several private equity firms about selling a stake in Super League, following the collapse of a proposed investment from Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL).

According to The Guardian, one of the approaches is from US-based LionCap Global, which incorporated a UK company in May ahead of a planned investment. Discussions have also taken place with Oakwell Sports Advisory, the London-based firm that brokered CVC Capital Partners’ deals with rugby union’s Six Nations Championship and Premiership Rugby.

A spokesperson for Rugby League Commercial, the RFL offshoot responsible for commercial, sponsorship, and broadcast negotiations, said: “One of the workstreams emanating from the Strategic Review held earlier this year has been to explore recapitalisation of the sport, including the Super League.

“While we won’t confirm any individual discussions, there are multiple interested parties. This process is ongoing, and the outstanding events of the last weekend showed again what a good investment proposition the sport of Rugby League represents.”

The RFL is exploring the sale as part of efforts to stabilise finances amid concerns over the potential withdrawal of £16m in Sport England funding due to governance issues. A source told The Guardian that the planned expansion of Super League from 12 to 14 clubs next season is linked to the proposed sale, as a bigger competition is expected to command a higher valuation.

Hull KR’s Grand Final victory over Wigan Warriors at Old Trafford, the club’s first championship in 21 years, and the return of the England-Australia Ashes series later this month have renewed optimism around the sport.

The RFL previously considered selling part of Super League four years ago when many clubs were struggling after the Covid-19 pandemic, but a deal proposed through Rothschild was ultimately rejected by the board. Talks with the NRL also failed earlier this year after the Australian league’s preferred 10-team ‘NRL Europe’ model was opposed by several northern clubs.

The negotiations come amid a broader trend of private equity investment across professional sport. CVC Capital Partners owns 33% of Premiership Rugby, while proposals from private equity firms to buy into football’s Women’s Super League and the England and Wales Cricket Board have been rejected.

If you think we missed any important news, please do not hesitate to contact us at news@pe-insights.com.

Can`t stop reading? Read more.