By Our Correspondent
National News – The billionaire owners of Premier League club AFC Bournemouth, under Black Knight Football Club, are close to finalising a takeover deal for Premiership Rugby side Exeter Chiefs, in a major development for English rugby as of Sunday, April 19, 2026.
The proposed agreement involves a significant investment stake aimed at strengthening the financial base and long-term competitiveness of the Devon-based club.
The American-led consortium, which also has ownership interests in Hibernian in Scotland, FC Lorient in France, and Auckland FC in New Zealand, is expanding its sports investment portfolio with this latest move.
If approved, the deal would see Exeter Chiefs receive fresh private capital at a time when rugby clubs across England are increasingly turning to external investors to remain financially stable and competitive.
Reports indicate that club members are expected to vote on the proposal at an extraordinary general meeting scheduled for May 2026.
Discussions have progressed steadily following meetings between Black Knight representatives and Exeter Chiefs chairman Tony Rowe, who has long acknowledged the need for additional funding to support the club’s future ambitions.
The potential takeover reflects a broader shift in professional rugby, where private investment is becoming more common as clubs face rising operational costs, including player wages, stadium maintenance, and global competition pressures.
Recent years have already seen increased investor activity across the Premiership, signalling a new financial era for the sport.
If completed, the deal could significantly enhance Exeter Chiefs’ commercial reach, squad development, and infrastructure plans.
It may also accelerate the trend of multi-club ownership models extending from football into rugby union.
For Black Knight Football Club, the acquisition would further diversify its growing sports portfolio and strengthen its presence in European and global sport markets.
The final outcome now rests on member approval at the upcoming vote.
