Exeter Chiefs sold to U.S. investors Black Knight Rugby

The Exeter Chiefs, a leading English rugby union club, have been sold to American investment group Black Knight Rugby, marking the first U.S. takeover of a top-flight side in the sport. The sale was announced on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, following a vote by the club's members last month to approve the transaction.

Black Knight Rugby, a new subsidiary of Cannae Holdings, has purchased 100 percent of the shares in the Devon-based club. Cannae Holdings is led by American businessman Bill Foley and already owns a portfolio of sports franchises, including Premier League football side AFC Bournemouth, the NHL's Vegas Golden Knights, and stakes in several European football clubs.

Tony Rowe, the club's longstanding chairman and chief executive who has financially supported the Chiefs for 25 years, will remain in his role to ensure continuity. He will form a new three-person executive board alongside Cannae Holdings vice-chairman William Foley and chief executive Ryan Caswell.

Rowe expressed strong enthusiasm for the new owners, stating that if you had to choose an investor in world sport, you could not choose better than Black Knight. He said he was over the moon and looked forward to a...