By ASVG Media
Swedish investment giant EQT has agreed to become the majority shareholder of Melbourne Storm, marking the private-equity firm's first direct investment in a professional sports team. The transaction reportedly values the Australian National Rugby League powerhouse at around A$150 million (approximately US$106 million) and remains subject to Australian Rugby League Commission approval. EQT says its investment will support the club's football program, player development and long-term commercial growth, while existing chairman Matt Tripp will remain an investor.
The deal is significant because institutional capital is moving beyond America's multibillion-dollar franchises and Europe's largest football clubs into high-performing regional sports properties with strong media economics. Melbourne Storm becomes particularly attractive against the backdrop of the NRL's recently agreed A$5.3 billion broadcast arrangement, demonstrating how predictable media revenue can help turn clubs into financeable assets. For African sport, this is an important benchmark: clubs become more investable when strong governance, media rights, facilities, talent development and recurring commercial revenues are packaged together rather than relying almost entirely on sponsorship and match-day receipts.
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