'Detailed negotiations': Ospreys owners set to buy URC rivals

NEWS: The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has confirmed Ospreys owners, Y11 Sports & Media, have been picked as the preferred bidder for Cardiff Rugby.

The news was revealed in a statement on Thursday, after “a unanimous decision by the WRU Board held on January 19”.

A completed deal would mean Y11 will own both teams. However, the WRU confirmed that Cardiff would remain an independent club and brand playing at Cardiff Arms Park.

Meanwhile, there will still be uncertainty over the future of Ospreys. In the statement, the WRU said that the Swansea-based team will continue to play in the URC and EPCR competitions until at least the end of the 26/27 season.

Ospreys chief executive Lance Bradley penned a statement to fans after the news was confirmed.

“Firstly, I want to apologise to you all about not being able to communicate with you earlier, following the leaked news this week that Y11 have been selected by the WRU as their preferred bidder for Cardiff Rugby,” he said.

“The discussions between Y11 and the WRU are commercially confidential, so could not be discussed until certain agreements were in place. I hope you can understand that.

“I recognise, however, that this has resulted in a few days of increased uncertainty, and that this has left many of you wondering what’s happening with your club. I’m now sharing with you as much information as I can about the situation.

“The WRU has today [Thursday] confirmed its intention to sell Cardiff Rugby to Y11. Being announced as the preferred bidder means that both parties now enter into an exclusivity period to finalise the transaction.

“Whether a deal is concluded or not, however, Y11 will continue to own and operate Ospreys. If a deal for Cardiff is finalised, this would see Y11 owning and operating both Ospreys and Cardiff, with both regions continuing to play as separate teams.

“Crucially, I want to make clear that the Ospreys will continue to play in the URC and EPCR competitions until at least the end of the 26/27 season.

“Here at Ospreys we are fully focused on the remainder of this season, and we’re making the usual preparations for next season.

“In the event that Y11 conclude a deal for Cardiff Rugby I will give you a full update on what the overall plan will be. The exclusivity period is no more than 60 days, after which the transaction would be confirmed and the final details communicated to you.

“I am in constant communication with our owners. Insofar as we can control it, I can assure you that updates about any longer term plans for Ospreys Rugby will first be heard by Ospreys players, staff and their families.

“In the meantime, I would ask that you fully get behind our boys, starting with this weekend’s game against the Lions. Your support has always made a big difference, and now more than ever we’d really appreciate it.”

See the WRU’s statement below:

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) today confirmed its intention to sell Cardiff Rugby to Y11 Sport & 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 at Cardiff Arms Park. 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 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.