Andrew Curtin’s Post

South African Rugby Union (SA Rugby) is facing growing scrutiny over a controversial $75M equity deal proposed by Ackerley Sports Group. Local investors, including prominent figures like Johann Rupert and Schalk Burger Sr., advocate for an alternative homegrown solution to better support the future of South African rugby. Priscilla Jepchumba | Sports Illustrated https://lnkd.in/dvPGHNNM #PE #PrivateEquity #PrivateEquitySports #PESports #SportsBiz #LinkedinSports

Can The Championship become Europe's second biggest league...? It has plenty going for it; great stadiums, fan base, direct association with the EPL and strong competition. US investors seem to think it is heading in the right direction. But the difference maker may be the global appeal of the clubs reguarly playing in the league. "Leeds Utd" for example, are searched more in Ireland and South Africa than they are in the UK. The amount of teams with higher search volume outside their home country are few and far between, even in Europe's biggest leagues. Generally this is something only achieved by the biggest football team brands.... Perhaps more telling still, the UK only contributes 13% of total earches for this term, "Leeds Utd" . #TheChampionship #Football #Sportsmedia #SEO

The South African Rugby Union rejected Ackerley Sports Group’s $75 million bid for a 20% stake in Springboks’ commercial rights. A rival group offered $375 million for 20–40%, emphasizing local control and financial growth. Ackerley may revise its bid before the year’s exclusivity period ends. Read the most important news of the day: altdaily.co #RugbyVictory #SouthAfricaSports #AlternativeInvestment

This is HUGE news! As much as I believe that the move to professionalization is needed to move the sport forward, the lack of clubs within certain areas/regions is concerning. As someone who is involved in netball in Scotland, I fear this could have huge implications. Not only at an elite level, but particularly at grassroots, through player pathways, and for umpires and coaches. I am excited to see what the new era of netball brings, however I do hope there are plans in the near future to ensure that the Super League is accessible for and representative of the whole of the UK (including Scotland, NI, the South West, etc). #NetballSuperLeague #SportDevelopment

Championship rugby clubs in England face an uncertain financial future following the announcement of the Professional Game Partnership (PGP) between the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and Premiership Rugby (PRL). The PGP, which aims to create world-leading English teams, will see the Premiership clubs receive £33m per season. In contrast, Championship clubs will each receive their lowest-ever funding of just £133,000, a significant drop from the £650,000 they received in 2016. Many Championship clubs feel excluded from the discussions and frustrated by the financial disparity between the two tiers. Despite new provisions, such as a two-legged play-off for Premiership promotion and increased flexibility in entry criteria, Championship clubs remain sceptical. They face immense financial challenges, particularly with the recent liquidation of Jersey Reds and concerns over future funding. Although the RFU has outlined plans to create a more sustainable second tier and develop young talent, the clubs emphasise the need for greater financial support to bridge the growing gulf between the Championship and the Premiership. #Rugby #RFU #RugbyUnion #SportsFunding #SportsBusiness

Will you continue to go to Twickenham or The Allianz Stadium? The loss of an Iconic name in Sport.....is this a good marketing move? Twickenham is set to be renamed following a recent sponsorship deal. Find out more about this update here: https://lnkd.in/easpsEcp #rugby #sixnations #englishrugby #sponsorship #sport #marketing

if anyone can help with the below, please give me a shout 👌

Hie gaan die Bokke, hie gaan die Bokke… South African Rugby (SA Rugby) is on the verge of finalizing a highly contentious deal with US-based private equity firm Ackerley Sports Group (ASG). The proposed agreement would see ASG acquire a 20% stake in a newly formed SA Rugby commercial rights company for $75 million (around R1.3 billion). Despite only acquiring a minority 20% stake, the deal reportedly grants ASG a majority on the board of the new commercial rights company. This effectively hands over control of crucial decision-making to the private equity firm. Furthermore, ASG would gain a "perpetual license" to SA Rugby's commercial rights, including the iconic Springboks brand. This arrangement stands in stark contrast to New Zealand Rugby's deal with Silver Lake, where the national body retained ownership and control over the All Blacks brand and commercial rights despite selling a minority stake. Alarmingly, the deal with ASG appears to be structured more like a loan than an investment. Reports suggest that SA Rugby would be required to repay ASG's capital outlay over time, with the private equity firm retaining control of the commercial rights company until fully repaid. This raises serious questions about the long-term financial implications for SA Rugby. Why?…

Rugby's Paradox: Thriving Yet Changing In an era of record-breaking viewership and expanding global appeal, rugby finds itself at a crossroads. World Rugby's proposed law changes have sparked a debate about tradition, innovation, and the sport's future direction.Our latest analysis delves into: • Rugby's current global success • Proposed law amendments and their rationale • The potential impact on the game's futureJoin the discussion on rugby's evolution. Read the full article by clicking below 👇 #movesports #thegamechangers #movewithus #rugby #portugalrugby

Rugby's Breakaway League: A Legal Perspective 🏉 My initial analysis of the reported breakaway league in rugby union, considering three key legal hurdles which may need to be overcome if such a competition is to get off the ground: 1) Would World Rugby sanction the competition, and would their authorisation be required? 2) Would players remain eligible to play international rugby if they joined the breakaway league? 3) What would happen to players’ existing contracts? Let me know what you think. #Rugby #WorldRugby #SportsLaw