Hi, we’re the National Rugby Football League (NRFL), the group building the leading entertainment & media company in rugby globally.
The Scrum is our monthly newsletter in which we recap the latest happenings with the league, share insights into the sports investment market, and highlight some of the biggest news in the world of rugby, both on and off the pitch.
League Progress & Happenings
NRFL Managing Director, Steve Ryan, recently appeared as a guest on The Purpose Podcast, where he discussed several topics important to the NRFL, including the intricate process of launching a new league, the NRFL's overarching mission to empower diverse communities, and its commitment to fostering ownership opportunities. (Listen Here)
Market Trends
Goldman Sachs is poised to introduce a novel offering to its clients, enabling them to invest in professional sports teams. This move reflects the industry's ongoing endeavor to keep pace with the escalating values of sports franchises. A newly established division within the prominent financial services firm, named "Sports Franchise in Investment Banking," will grant exceedingly affluent clients the opportunity to invest not only in sports teams but also in other entities within the sports and entertainment realm with the goal of providing investors with a more transparent and accessible pathway into the burgeoning world of sports-related investments. (Read More)
Changes are on the horizon with regard to the composition of NFL ownership groups. One of the key priorities for the NFL moving forward is to increase minority representation in team ownership. To pursue this goal, the NFL has established a new committee tasked with examining "all aspects of ownership policy." This comprehensive review includes an assessment of rules associated with liquidity requirements for acquiring teams and expanding investment opportunities that are presently restricted to individuals. (Read More)
Private investors are increasing their involvement in the ownership of sports teams. There have been indications of robust returns on investment for private companies, which have seen immediate gains on their investments. With external factors at play, it will be intriguing to observe whether these companies aim for long-term commitment or contemplate an exit strategy following their initial success. (Read More)
Global Rugby News
The USA Eagles hosted France’s Stade Toulousain in a first-of-its-kind international match made possible by the Rugby Alliance partnership between Toulouse and the Utah Warriors. The USA 15-s rugby team came out on top with a 24-21 victory, showcasing the growth of rugby in the United States. (Read More)
Fans of rugby have a deep love for their game, but it frequently finds itself in the shadow of soccer. Every four years, as the Rugby World Cup kicks off, a two-month-long extravaganza unfolds, offering a rare opportunity for rugby to bask in the sports spotlight. (Read More)
Rugby World Cup organizers have expressed their delight at the substantial domestic and international television viewership figures. Notably, around 15 million people watched the France vs. New Zealand opener, with a peak of 17 million viewers. Only the 2011 final between the same teams has had a larger audience. (Read More)
The Rugby World Cup is a global spectacle with close to one billion viewers. SportsPro breaks down the tournament's approach to broadcasting and technology and how digital is driving the Rugby World Cup’s bid to be the world’s third-largest sporting event. (Read More)
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