Hull FC Set for Ownership Change as New Consortium Enters Exclusivity Period

In a significant development, Hull FC have confirmed that they have entered into a period of exclusivity with a new consortium. This consortium will assume 100% ownership and purchase the shareholdings of Adam Pearson, with Andrew Thirkill and David Hood set to become the prospective new owners of the club.

Ownership Structures Across Super League Clubs

While the potential ownership change at Hull FC is making headlines, the ownership structures across the 11 other Super League clubs vary significantly. Let’s take a closer look at the boardroom-level dynamics at play within the competition:

Castleford Tigers

At Castleford Tigers, Martin Jepson has an agreement in place to purchase the shares owned by the Fulton family, which would take his shareholding to 96%. The remaining minority shareholders have no say in the day-to-day running of the club.

Catalans Dragons

In contrast, the ownership of the Catalans Dragons is straightforward, with Bernard Guasch as the sole owner of the French Super League club.

Huddersfield Giants

Huddersfield Giants have seen Ken Davy as the majority shareholder and owner for well over 20 years through the parent company Huddersfield Sporting Pride.

Hull KR

Meanwhile, Hull KR’s majority shareholder is Neil Hudgell, who purchased the late Rob Crossland’s shares in 2019. The club also has a number of minority shareholders, but they hold no influence over the Robins’ operations.

Leeds Rhinos

Leeds Rhinos’ parent company, Leeds Rugby Limited, is majority-owned by Paul Caddick’s Caddick Group, with Gary Hetherington among the minority shareholders.

Leigh Leopards

At Leigh Leopards, Derek Beaumont is the majority shareholder and owner, holding over 99% of the club’s shares, with a handful allocated to around 12 other individuals.

Salford Red Devils

Salford Red Devils have a slightly more complex ownership model, with their holding company, Salford RD Holdings, becoming a Community Benefit Society (CBS) in 2022, allowing fans to purchase shares and become part-owners. However, the day-to-day running of the club lies with the appointed directors and employees, primarily CEO Paul King.

St Helens

St Helens’ controlling party is Singapore-based businessman Michael Coleman, who owns more than 50% of the company’s shares, while Chairman Eamonn McManus is one of several minority shareholders.

Wakefield Trinity

Wakefield Trinity’s ownership shares were sold by Michael Carter and John Minards last year to Silkstone Finance Limited, with Matt Ellis as a director, overseeing the club’s operations.

Warrington Wolves

Warrington Wolves’ parent company, Warrington Sports Holdings Limited, is majority-owned by Simon Moran, who holds over 75% of the shares.

Wigan Warriors

Lastly, the Wigan Warriors are 100% owned by billionaire Mike Danson, who initially invested in the club in 2020 and recently announced a deal to purchase the remaining 51% shareholding from Ian Lenagan.

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