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
Here’s how the league has progressed since our update last month:
We’re working with some of the biggest names in sports: We’ve assembled a team of sports greats to give the NRFL unparalleled insights into strategy, operations, and execution to bring rugby to mainstream America. Hear more from NRFL Advisor and legendary sports agent Leigh Steinberg here.
We’re sharing more about our roadmap: We launched the NRFL digital roadshow and data room, a portal where potential investors can learn more about the NRFL and the opportunity to own a piece of the next major sports league in America. To gain access, email sryan@thenrfl.com.
We’re supporting athletes: We had the pleasure of convening with NHL legends and esteemed members of the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” hockey team as they opened The Ranch in Sauk Centre in honor of late team member Mark Pavelich. The Ranch serves as a sanctuary for former athletes, providing them with guidance and purpose as they transition beyond their playing careers. (Read More)
We’re hosting a panel on sports investment: In collaboration with the Minneapolis Club Investment Club, we’re hosting a panel on how investing in the sports industry is changing, with investment opportunities becoming more accessible to Family Offices, Institutional Investors, and individuals. (Learn More)
Market Trends
In today's rapidly evolving sports landscape, revenue diversification has become a driving force for success. Leagues and teams worldwide are recognizing the need to explore alternative sources of income to unlock new opportunities for sustained growth and profitability. We, along with our friends at 73 Holdings, are actively embracing this idea, leveraging approaches such as blockchain, sports betting, esports, technology, merchandise, content creation, and more to breathe life into our league. (Read More)
NFL owners voted unanimously on July 20 to approve the sale of the Washington Commanders for a record $6.05 billion to a group led by billionaire Josh Harris that includes five-time NBA champion Magic Johnson. Johnson will become the franchise’s first Black co-owner, joining Ariel Investments CEO Mellody Hobson, and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who are both part of the ownership group for the Denver Broncos. (Read More)
Buying losing sports teams is still great for business — thanks to the tax breaks. NPR explores the provision in the U.S. tax code that allows investors to essentially write off almost the entire purchase price of sports teams. (Read More)
In an effort to diversify its economy away from its finite oil reserves, Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in many sectors with upstart sports being one of them. (Read More)
Global Rugby News
World Rugby launched the new rugby sevens global tournament, ‘SVNS,’ featuring events with men's and women's play. The slimmed-down tournament features Vancouver as one of eight host cities, signifying the profitability of rugby in Canada and across North America. (Read More)
The US Rugby Foundation announced seven inductees to the US Rugby Hall of Fame as part of the 2023 class, as well as the Foundation's special award recipients. (Read More)
July 26th marked the one-year countdown to the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Rugby will be one of the first competitions on show at the 2024 Games, with two days of competition before the Opening Ceremony and the first set of medals awarded just the day after.
Want to learn more about the NRFL? Check out our website or reach out to info@thenrfl.com.