NRL in informal talks to buy a stake in the English Super League

The NRL and the English Super League could join forces if informal talks about ownership stakes come to fruition

The NRL are in informal discussions about purchasing a large stake in England’s Super League. Photo: George Wood/Getty Images.

ARLC chairman Peter V‘landys has confirmed the NRL has engaged in discussions about purchasing a stake in England’s Super League, declaring: “We will explore everything”.

According to Sky Sports, the NRL are weighing up a huge sum to buy into the UK’s premier rugby league competition.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo held talks with his Super League counterpart, Robert Elstone about the possibility of a marriage between the two leagues.

V’landys on Thursday acknowledged that the NRL has discussed a potential stake in the Super League, but talks were far from advanced at this stage.

“I’d never say no to anything and you always look at opportunities,” V’landys said.

“We will explore everything and look at all opportunities. This opportunity was provided by a third party and I believe the CEO has had some informal talks.

“That is as far as it has got at this stage.”

It’s been reported that the NRL could be looking at a $125 million investment to claim half-ownership of the 11-team English competition.

The NRL are in informal discussions about purchasing a large stake in England’s Super League. Former St George Illawarra and Canterbury prop James Graham celebrating St Helens’ 2020 Super League premiership. Photo: Martin Rickett/PA Images via Getty Images.

The NRL has also been investigating potential for by private investors to take a stake in the league which could bring between $500 million and $1 billion into the game.

Melbourne Storm chairman Matt Tripp is believed to be helping to facilitate a private-equity bid involving a London-based firm which has brokered a number of mammoth sporting deals globally.

Former Storm chairman Bart Campbell initially approached the NRL with the pitch before he moved away after taking up positions as a New Zealand Rugby board member.

The NRL has been valued as high as $3 billion and potential investment as much as $1 billion has been reported

But any deal would be contingent on the support of at least 12 of the 16 clubs, the NSWRL and QRL, as well as the ARL Commission.