Exclusive: Super League in talks over multi-million-pound investment which could revolutionise rugby league It is understood preliminary discussions have been made with an unnamed company about injecting capital into Super League

Talks have begun about a potential multi-million-pound investment by private equity into Super League, in what could be a game-changing move for British rugby league.

Bringing new investment into the competition and increasing revenue streams has been the mandate of Super League chief executive Robert Elstone, who assumed the position in June last year after the competition split away from the control of the Rugby Football League.

Private equity firms have bought expensive ownership stakes in sports such as Formula One, football and Moto GP in recent years.

Premiership Rugby sold a minority shareholding in its competition to private equity firm CVC Capital Partners for a reported £230 million in December 2018.

It is understood preliminary discussions have been made with an unnamed company about possibly injecting capital into Super League.

While the talks are at very early stage, i has been told more than one meeting with head office and Super League clubs has already taken place.

At a crossroads

With Super League’s broadcasting contract with Sky up for renewal at the end of 2021, the sport is at a crucial juncture. Crowds and attendances have plateaued and the competition’s best players are often lured to rugby union or to the National Rugby League in Australia.

Private investment would help re-energise Super League and fund a greater emphasis on marketing and promotion of the sport. Currently the competition has 11 English clubs and one French club competing in it, though Canadian outfit Toronto Wolfpack are poised to achieve promotion for 2020.

One source confirmed that if a deal can be struck that would bring serious capital into Super League, then it could completely change the landscape of rugby league in the UK.

“If it comes off and is similar to what’s happened in rugby union, wouldn’t it be amazing?” he said.

“It could take us to the places we’ve all been aspiring to go. We’re more forward-thinking with Robert on board, without the shackles of the previous regime.

“So it would be really, really good if we could get some sort of investment, not just for each club, but for the wider game marketing-wise, entertainment-wise, on matchdays.

“You could start spending money on areas that have been lacking for years and years. For me, it’s got to go into youth development, into community clubs, not frittered away on players and agents.

“We’ve got to be sensible about it.”

‘They are not blind to the game’s challenges’

Another high-placed source revealed that while discussions with the investment firm are in the nascent stage, they have been promising.

“These people have been impressive,” the source said.

“They are thorough and absolutely aware of Super League’s pros and cons. They’re not blind to the game’s challenges.”

Super League declined to comment when contacted.