The Gallagher PREM is preparing for increased investment across a number of clubs, according to popular football executive and adviser, Charlie Methven has shared on the latest episode of the Business of Sport podcast.
The comments came after the sport exec had been in attendance at the PREM final to see the Northampton Saints lift the title in a closely fought final with the Exeter Chiefs.
In recent years, the PREM have made moves in order to try and make the league a more commercially viable product. This was also important after the loss of several historic clubs like the Wasps and Worcester Warriors.
They removed relegation over the last few seasons and have closed the league, with a view to extending the league to up to 14 teams in the coming years.
There has already been a variety of funding and investment in clubs in the league. The most notable is the takeover of the Newcastle Falcons, who have since been renamed the Newcastle Red Bulls. Bath have always been linked to Sir James Dyson, but he has increased his stake to 50% of the club.
Exeter Chiefs fans voted in recent months to accept a proposal from Black Knight Sports group, who also own AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League.
In essence, one owner or group receiving investment can encourage others in the space to invest further.
What did Methven say?
Methven has a huge number of contacts in the sporting world, and regular listeners to the Business of Sport know that he has the contacts across the sports industry, which make it likely that they hear things that he has been made aware of could well be true.
“Over the coming months, we are going to see into PREM rugby clubs. I’m aware of a couple of discussions going on at the moment, which is interesting.” said Methven.
He later added, “There’s no doubt when you take relegation away, the top clubs in any sport in the top division are more investible.”
