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From NZ Herald
EXCLUSIVE
New Zealand Rugby has engaged in talks with a multi-billion-dollar American investment firm about taking a stake in the struggling sport.
In what could prove a landmark moment in the game's long and storied history, NZ Rugby have been wooing private-equity giants Silver Lake with the prospect of adding New Zealand rugby to a sports portfolio that includes global cash machine the UFC.
Although they remain some way from a deal, it has been described as a seachange attitude for an organisation steeped in tradition and natural conservatism.
In a reshaped rugby world, the attraction for investors would be the prospect of a club world championship — the principal reason key stakeholders have recently taken to unsubtly referring to Super Rugby franchises as "clubs" — and the broadcasting and commercial revenue that would spin off that.
As rugby lurches forward without clear post-pandemic direction, the Herald understands NZR's leaders were so concerned about the game's broken revenue model they held high-level talks with at least two private-equity firms; equity that could potentially give them the leverage to break free from World Rugby's stranglehold.
One was Luxembourg-based CVC Capital Partners, which already has a significant stake in Northern Hemisphere rugby, but more intriguing are the talks with technology specialists Silver Lake.
The firm has offices in New York, Silicon Valley, London and Hong Kong and manages US$40 billion (NZ$60b) in assets, while its portfolio generates more than $200b revenue annually. It established its reputation as a major player with lucrative investments in internet phone provider Skype and chip maker Broadcom.
More recently, it diversified into the sports and entertainment sector, including global mixed martial arts phenomenon the UFC, Madison Square Garden Company, which owns blue chip NBA franchise the New York Knicks and the NHL's New York Rangers, and City Football Group, whose flagship team is defending English Premier League champions Manchester City.
Exile
Port Macquarie
"Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done! Now if you know what you’re worth then go out and get what you’re worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain’t you! You’re better than that!" - Rocky Balboa
Ta, X.
Interesting story. NZ are gonna need someone to play, though, if this were to pan out.
Doesnt make it clear how they would "leave" world rugby. Are they gonna join League or force every nation to kickstart a new union not affiliated with World Rugby?
Interesting, isn't it? Especially in conjunction with mention of CVC. Australia could well find itself sitting on the kids table, along with all the other minors...
https://www.ft.com/content/e57f79b2-...1-482eed0038b1