New York franchise in talks to take over Toronto Wolfpack UK Super League licence

A leading player agent believes a Super League team based out of New York would ‘attract a lot of interest from NRL players’ as the US franchise looks to capitalise on the collapse of the Toronto Wolfpack.

Toronto Wolfpack's New Zealand player Sonny Bill WIlliams (L) during the English rugby league super league match between Castleford Tigers and Toronto Wolfpack at Emerald Headingley Stadium in Leeds, northern England on February 2, 2020. - Toronto's star signing Sonny Bill Williams, a former All Black who has made the switch from rugby union to league starts on the bench in Toronto's opening game. New Zealand cross-code star Sonny Bill Williams will be allowed to cover up the Super League sponsors' logo due to his opposition to betting. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)

New York could be catapulted directly into England’s Super League – and the consortium will target the NRL’s elite talent, in a game-changer for rugby league.

News Corp Australia can reveal the New York franchise has opened top-level discussions about buying the Super League licence from the financially-crippled Toronto Wolfpack.

The possible takeover deal could include New York managing the Wolfpack out of Toronto next season before shifting the franchise to the Big Apple for the 2022 Super League season.

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Sonny Bill Williams’ Toronto Wolfpack seem to be on their last legs.

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New York chief executive Ricky Wilby confirmed talks between the two parties had intensified over the weekend.

“We have spoken extensively with Wolfpack management and (taking over Toronto) is certainly something of interest,” he said.

“Subject to completing our due diligence it would certainly be an avenue we’ll be exploring and increasing our interest in. It’s something both us and the Wolfpack would like to conclude quickly.”

A financial settlement hasn’t yet been reached and England’s governing body, the RFL, would have to approve the sale. Should the deal be secured, NRL players are expected to offer themselves to New York.

“New York is an aspirational venue for any professional athlete. A Super League team based out of New York would attract a lot of interest from players,” leading NRL player agent George Mimis said.

News Corp Australia can reveal New York doesn’t have any initial plans to sign Sydney Roosters superstar Sonny Bill Williams, who has a contract for next season with Toronto.

Toronto has debts of around $20 million but New York is confident it can acquire the club for around $3 million and pay any outstanding player wages.

Sonny Bill Williams and Toronto coach Brian McDermott will be looking for new teams.

While outlaying big money for the sale, New York could save by avoiding the costs of working through England’s lower-tier competitions.

New York has planned to enter the third-tier League One in 2022 before aiming for promotion into the second-tier Championship and then onto Super League.

But the opportunity to bypass the lower-level competitions might be too enticing for New York to decline. While New York is yet to draw up an official NRL player hit list, Wilby has discussed multiple players.

NRL players coming off contract after 2021 include Anthony Milford, Will Hopoate, Aaron Woods, Shaun Johnson, Dale Finucane, Blake Ferguson, Adam Reynolds, Paul Vaughan, Corey Norman, Daniel Tupou and Josh Reynolds.

New York – expected to be coached by Australia’s Mick Potter — would have struggled to sign a big name to play League One but can now aim high if the club enters Super League.

The New Jersey-based club would demand the Toronto deal guarantees entry directly into Super League for 2022. That would give New York 18 months to build a strong side which include players from Australia, England, New Zealand and America.

Toronto owner David Argyle wants to sell the club after withdrawing the cash-strapped team from this year’s Super League competition. The club could also fold.

Media reports from England suggest players are still owed two months’ pay and club employees are unable to be paid.

New York’s possible takeover — and the future of Toronto — will be discussed at an RFL meeting later this week. English media has also stated a second bidder, possible a British rugby union club, may also be interested in buying Toronto.

Originally published as New York franchise in talks to take over Toronto Wolfpack UK Super League licence