American investors surging into English rugby after structural switch to US-style franchise model

Sanatate

American investment companies are turning their targets toward some of England’s top rugby clubs amid a structural change in the sport that will establish a U.S.-style franchise system where relegation and promotion are scrapped. Exeter Chiefs — recently an English and European champion — voted to approve a proposed takeover by Black Knight Sports and Entertainment, an investment group that already counts Premier League team Bournemouth in its expanding portfolio. That development comes days