Two new suitors enter the race to buy Auckland club
Auckland Rugby League is still in the mix as a possible Warriors owner but two other parties, including one with NFL connections, are also in the frame.
The ARL had the inside running a month ago, and had signed a sale and purchase agreement which was set to go unconditional at the end of the due diligence process. But the ARL, which has a nest egg of funds through the Carlaw Park Heritage Trust, pulled out of their exclusivity deal when negotiations broke down with club owner Eric Watson’s representatives in mid-November.
However, the Herald understands the ARL remain a potential buyer, and they are monitoring the situation.
Other potential investors include an Auckland-based Tongan consortium, including some former NFL players, who are looking to invest in Australasian sporting franchises, and a former Waikato businessman now based in Asia.
Auckland entrepreneur Paul Davys, whose inquiry to Watson in August started the process, is not among the possible purchasers.
There has been no mention of a deadline for the sale of the club, but logic would suggest it needs to be completed before the 2018 season starts in March.
The last thing the Warriors need is uncertainty around the ownership dragging into next season. The Warriors have enough trouble focusing on the week-to-week challenges in the NRL without additional confusion over off-field matters being thrown into the mix.
Watson, the London-based Kiwi rich-lister, has been selling various New Zealand assets. His sprawling Karaka estate, believed to be worth $6 million, was recently sold to a local Chinese businessman, while Auckland’s iconic Soul Bar and Bistro is also on the market.
ARL chairman Cameron McGregor did not want to comment on any possible negotiations, but confirmed their desire to be involved in the future direction of the Aucklandbased NRL franchise.
“It’s hard to see how anyone who wants to own the Warriors could be successful in the long term without the involvement of the Auckland Rugby League,” said McGregor.
“We are committed to developing the game and the grassroots and young talent, and that is obviously crucial for the Warriors.”