Tuesday October 3, 2023

$130M Sale of New Zealand Rugby Stake Faces Vote

  • Private equity firm Silver Lake agreed to acquire a 5.7% stake in NZR CommercialCo.
  • The stake is worth roughly $130.6 million.
Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports
Front Office Sports Today

NBC Could Get In On College Football Playoffs

NBC is exploring broadcasting a slice of the expanded CFP in 2026.
Listen Now
October 3, 2023 | Podcast
Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

The sale of a minority stake in New Zealand Rugby’s commercial rights to California-based private equity firm Silver Lake for $130.6 million is up against a critical vote to gain approval. 

Silver Lake agreed to acquire a 5.7% stake in NZR CommercialCo, a division of New Zealand Rugby that houses all revenue-generating assets of the governing body. The pending sale — agreed to in February 2022 — was approved by New Zealand Rugby’s players union after some reluctance. 

  • Members of New Zealand Rugby will vote on Thursday at a special general meeting.
  • Approval of the sale could value NZR CommercialCo at more than $2 billion.

The process for Silver Lake to invest in New Zealand Rugby — the owner of the All Blacks team — has been arduous. A report from April 2021 revealed that Silver Lake offered $279 million for a 12.5% stake in the commercial entity, but the players union opposed the deal.

Players for the All Blacks — named for their iconic team shirt — say investment could also taint their rugby traditions. The All Blacks have won more than 75% of their test matches and three of nine Rugby World Cups.

Rugby Investment in the U.S.

World Rugby, which has 10 million registered players, is exploring investment opportunities with private equity firms including CVC Capital Partners, per the Financial Times.

The World Rugby Council recently voted to give the U.S. bids for the Men’s Rugby World Cup in 2031 and the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2033. The total cost of hosting both events could reach $500 million, according to USA Rugby.

Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sponsored

NHL’s Chris Foster on Amplifying Content Distribution With Automation

Learn how the NHL is using WSC Sports to increase fan engagement.
Sponsored

How Daktronics Helps Elite Athletic Programs Secure Top Talent

How colleges are utilizing Daktronics' displays to elevate recruiting.

WBD Pursues ‘Different’ Strategy For Sports on Max

Company to place all of its live sports on new streaming tier

Colorado's Epic Victory Sets New ESPN Prime Time Viewership Record

Coach Prime Deion Sanders delivered in prime time on ESPN.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

NBC Could Get In On College Football Playoffs

0:00
0:00

Featured Today

An advocacy group is filing an NLRB case against the Ivy League over athlete compensation.

Advocacy Group Files Federal Labor Charge Against Ivy League

It’s the latest in a flurry of NLRB cases over amateurism.
The Colorado Buffaloes played in the most-watched game of Week 5.
October 3, 2023

Colorado Ratings Bonanza Continues Despite Two Consecutive Losses

The Buffs’ least-watched game this season was still the most-watched this week.
Football analyst and PFF investor Chris Collinsworth talks to man in front of computers
October 3, 2023

Cris Collinsworth 'Lost a Lot of Sleep' Over Pro Football Focus Leadership Issues

New book details why it’s no longer a “happy place to work.”
NBC is interested in media rights to the expanded College Football Playoff.
exclusive
October 2, 2023

NBC Is Interested in Expanded College Football Playoff Media Rights

NBC is one of the networks pitching the CFP, a source confirmed.

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
Chicago Cubs
Chicago
Fanatics
New York
Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group, Inc.
USA - Multiple Locations

Messi Business Still Growing Despite Inter Miami's Slim Playoff Hopes

Season ticket demand for 2024 is reportedly skyrocketing.
October 3, 2023

Ballmer Nears Decade-Long Reign As Richest Sports Owner

New team owners are unable crack list after setting records
A view of Manchester United stadium, Old Trafford
October 3, 2023

Manchester United Bidder Ratcliffe May Shift Focus To Minority Stake

The British billionaire had been seeking full control of the club.
September 30, 2023

Baltimore Looks To Return To The Oriole Way

Lease deal offers new hope, but market and economic challenges remain.
September 28, 2023

Orioles End Uncertainty With New 30-Year Lease Deal

New agreement follows more than three years of back-and-forth negotiations
September 28, 2023

AC Milan Abandons $1.3B Project For New 70,000-Seat Stadium

RedBird Capital-owned club continues path toward its own facility
September 28, 2023

Manfred Wants Vote On A's Move To Vegas In November

A's move will be just MLB's second franchise shift since 1971
Olympique-Lyonnais
September 27, 2023

French Soccer Club Lyon Seeking $300M Capital Raise

The club was sold for a record price last French year.