Birmingham City’s owners explore moving into rugby union and buying Prem franchise

Knighthead Capital Management, the owner of Birmingham City, is reportedly in early discussions with other American investors about acquiring new franchises in Premiership Rugby. This comes ahead of a significant restructuring of the sport that the Rugby Football Union (RFU) is set to confirm. The RFU council will vote on proposals to establish a ringfenced 10-team Premiership, which would eliminate promotion and relegation until 2030. Following this period, a phased expansion is planned, starting with the addition of two more teams. The potential involvement of Knighthead Capital in rugby union highlights the growing interest from American investors in the sport.

• Knighthead Capital Management is exploring rugby union investments.
• RFU to vote on a shake-up of the sport's top division.
• Proposals include a ringfenced 10-team Premiership.
• No promotion or relegation until 2030 is planned.
• Expansion of the league may begin with two additional teams.