This is a major shift in the Welsh rugby landscape
Cardiff will remain as Cardiff but there is huge doubt over the Ospreys’ future beyond next year(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)
The Welsh Rugby Union has confirmed Ospreys owners Y11 Sports and Media as the preferred bidder for Cardiff Rugby and revealed the capital club will remain untouched as a result. It paves the way for one group to control two of Welsh rugby’s professional teams, at least in the short-term.
Both parties will now enter a period of exclusivity to finalise the deal following an unanimous decision by the WRU board who have committed to keeping the Cardiff Rugby brand and heritage, which now makes the prospect of a potential merger with the Ospreys extremely unlikely.
On completion of the deal, Y11 would become the new owners of Cardiff Rugby, which would remain an independent club and brand playing in Cardiff.
Y11 would also continue as the owners of Ospreys as a separate club, and Ospreys will continue to play in the United Rugby Championship and EPCR competitions until at least the end of the 26/27 season. There are no guarantees beyond that, though, and it remains unclear what Y11’s long-term intentions with the Ospreys are.
The WRU believe both teams will be able to compete in the URC and EPCR competitions despite having the same owners.
READ MORE: WRU in new debt deal with HSBC and Goldman SachsREAD MORE: Ambitious development plans for Civic Centre site in Swansea
Both parties now enter an exclusivity period of 60 days to complete detailed negotiations and due diligence.
At the end of the exclusivity period the transaction would be confirmed and the final details communicated to all parties.
The other bidder was a consortium led by former Cardiff director Martyn Ryan which also included Rhino CEO Reg Clarke and three prominent Hollywood producers.
The WRU remains adamant it wants to reduce the number of professional clubs in Wales from four to three.
Ideally it wants to achieve this through consensus to avoid a long and drawn out tendering process which could take up to six months or longer.
It was thought a successful Y11 bid for Cardiff would signal the end of the Ospreys and would pave the way for the WRU to go down to three teams.
That remains a realistic possibility, but it is far from certain with the WRU not prepared to budge on its demand for complete control of rugby at the three surviving sides.
This is something the funding directors at both the Dragons and Scarlets strongly oppose.
WRU statement in full
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) today confirmed its intention to sell Cardiff Rugby to Y11 Sport and Media following a rigorous open bidding process.The parties will now enter an exclusivity period to finalise the deal. The decision is subject to contract and would secure a new owner for Cardiff Rugby. It marks a significant milestone for Welsh rugby, ensuring long-term stability for the capital’s club under private ownership.
This follows a unanimous decision by the WRU Board held on 19 January 2026. The decision was based on the best financial future for Cardiff Rugby including access to identified funding and security of long-term investment.
The board also considered commitment to the Cardiff Rugby brand and heritage in its decision making criteria.On completion of the deal, Y11 would become the new owners of Cardiff Rugby which would remain an independent club and brand playing in Cardiff. Y11 would also continue as the owners of Ospreys as a separate club, and Ospreys will continue to play in the URC and EPCR competitions until at least the end of the 26/27 season.
Both parties now enter an exclusivity period of no more than 60 days to complete detailed negotiations and due diligence. At the end of the exclusivity period the transaction would be confirmed and the final details communicated to all parties
.Our priority remains to support both teams, keeping everyone up to date with progress. The other bidder has now been informed of the Board’s decision and thanked for their interest and participation in the process.
