The major sponsor of Wests Tigers has revealed an interest in buying a stake in the NRL club in a development that paints the clearest picture yet of what the Sydney franchise's ownership structure will look like beyond next month.

Lee Hagipantelis, the principal of Brydens Lawyers, told Fairfax Media on Wednesday he would seriously consider the prospect of purchasing a share in the Tigers if, as expected, 50 per cent of the franchise is placed on the market in April.

Balmain's half share of the team will go up for sale then should they be unable to meet an obligation to repay $5 million in debt to the NRL, which has covered their bills for the past two years, by March 31.

Co-owners Wests Ashfield would have the first option to buy Balmain's stake but it is believed they are reluctant to take full ownership of the team, opening the door for a figure like Hagipantelis to become the NRL's latest private part-owner.