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
The US is set to host the 2031 Rugby World Cup for the very first time, and America has a massive opportunity to show the world that it's a force to be reckoned with. A recent article from Alts.co delves into the investment opportunities within the sport leading up to 2031, including the chance to invest in the NRFL. (Read More)
It may sound cliché, but teamwork really does make the dream work. Our team of forward-thinking and influential executives, advisory board, and strategic partners give the NRFL unparalleled insights into strategy, operations, and execution to bring the sport of rugby to mainstream America. Hear from Team Operations Officer Jeff Diamond and NRFL Advisors Rob Thompson and Leigh Steinberg about their thoughts on the growth of rugby and why they are excited to see professional rugby played on American soil.
Market Trends
The Rugby World Cup has prompted discussions about the business aspect of rugby within the sports world. Despite the success of previous World Cups, the overarching objective to delve deeper into commercialization remains unchanged. Numerous investors are now exploring opportunities to invest in young talent, aiming to generate the excitement that will reshape the sport's landscape over the next decade. (Read More)
Andre Iguodala, a four-time NBA champion, has made the decision to retire and embark on a new journey as a venture capitalist. He co-founded a $200 million fund that will primarily focus on enterprise software, finance, and sports companies. He joins the ranks of other star athletes who have recently successfully transitioned from the locker room to the boardroom. (Read More)
During their illustrious Hall of Fame careers, Allen Iverson and Shaquille O'Neal served as the iconic athletes for Reebok. Today, they are returning to Reebok in a vastly different capacity. Instead of gracing the courts as the company's poster athletes, Shaquille O'Neal has assumed the role of President of Basketball, with Allen Iverson serving as Vice President. Founder Todd Krinsky expressed his enthusiasm for this opportunity, emphasizing the significance of providing the brand’s legacy athletes the chance to take on substantial management roles. (Read More)
Saudi Arabia is strategically allocating substantial funds to various sports investments as part of its broader economic diversification efforts to reduce reliance on oil and gas exports. The kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), boasting approximately $700 billion in assets, has ventured into an extensive array of sports investments, including soccer, golf, tennis, boxing, and motorsport, underscoring the escalating global interest in sports-related investments. (Read More)
Global Rugby News
South Africa became the world rugby champions again, reclaiming their 2019 title by a very small margin in the 2023 World Cup final at the Stade de France. They managed to secure a narrow 12-11 win against their fierce rivals, New Zealand, despite facing tough challenges in the second half, including playing with only 14 players and conceding the game's only try. (Read More)
Spain, Canada, the USA, and Brazil are preparing for the La Vila International Rugby Cup. These four nations came very close to qualifying for the 2023 World Cup but narrowly missed the opportunity. The tournament is set to kick off on November 11th and will conclude on the 18th. Each of these nations aims to utilize this competition as part of their preparation for the 2027 World Cup. (Read More)
Urban Rugby America (URA) has officially launched its organization with the aim of providing youth rugby opportunities in under-resourced communities nationwide. URA's mission is to empower young people by offering resources, access, and opportunities for advancement in the sport, thus emphasizing the urgent need for systemic and sustainable change at the national level. (Read More)
Ranked just behind the FIFA World Cup and Olympic Games in terms of audience reach and sponsorship, the Rugby World Cup has experienced explosive growth since its debut in 1987. With the United States set to host the tournament in just eight years, there is mounting pressure to expedite the development of rugby in the US and seize the opportunity to nurture the world's largest fan base. (Read More)
Want to learn more about the NRFL? Check out our website, reach out to info@thenrfl.com, or book a 1:1 meeting with us.