RL Commercial has appointed Deloitte’s Sports Business Group as strategic advisors to support its recapitalisation programme aimed at securing long-term investment for rugby league.
Under the agreement, Deloitte will work with RL Commercial to identify, structure, and lead potential strategic investment opportunities designed to strengthen the financial sustainability of the sport across the United Kingdom and France.
The move comes during a period of notable growth for rugby league, with the Betfred Super League expanding to 14 teams. The sport also recorded over 1.62 million match attendances in the 2025 season, alongside strong commercial momentum, including a 52% rise in broadcast viewership and a 68% increase in digital engagement.
Deloitte’s Sports Business Group has previously advised major sports organisations on investment and structural reform, including the England and Wales Cricket Board on The Hundred and SailGP on its recent expansion strategy.
RL Commercial Managing Director Rhodri Jones said the timing of the appointment reflects the sport’s current trajectory.
“Rugby league is strongly positioned for growth and investment, and by appointing trusted experts at Deloitte, we believe this is the right moment to secure the most advantageous outcome for the sport,†Jones said.
He added that discussions with potential partners are already underway, and Deloitte’s involvement will help bring greater structure and clarity to the process.