Toronto buy stake in London Skolars as part of ground-breaking deal
Toronto have bought a sizeable minority stake in London Skolars with the aim of boosting their brands as well as trade links between the cities.
The new partnership includes an in-kind financial investment alongside ongoing commercial, performance, development and community support. The two organisations will collaborate and share best practice in digital marketing, media, PR and fan engagement.
The ambition and investment will engage and excite potential new investors and partners for London Skolars. It is also expected that key trade links can be formed between Toronto Wolfpack’s partners and the city of London, growing an ever-expanding transatlantic trade platform.
London Skolars’ majority owner Hector McNeil commented: “This financial and business partnership with a fellow key global city will allow us to amplify our own ambitions and work together to elevate through the leagues and establish a club capable of eventually reaching and competing in Super League.
“London, to many, is the most important commercial and sporting city in Europe, possibly the world, whilst North America is showing a genuine thirst for expanding rugby league in a key sporting market. This partnership reflects that and moves those wheels around. We would also like to take the opportunity to thank the RFL for supporting this vision and joint venture.
“We will be exploring digital rights growth as part of this partnership and ultimately ensure that we help rugby league grow as a global sport. Sports fans are becoming more demanding and nuanced in how they absorb sports brands and content. We intend to respond to this with some exciting initiatives alongside expanding community work and impact. These are hugely exciting times for global rugby league and the growth of the sport in the capital.”
Wolfpack’s owner David Argyle added:“We are very excited at this opportunity to combine the brand power of the two global cities of London and Toronto.
“Importantly, our investment allows us to satisfy two of Toronto Wolfpack’s core values; in expanding and accelerating our platform to put rugby balls in kids’ hands, and further developing transatlantic trade for our partners.
“London Skolars have a fantastic history and worked tirelessly for almost 25 years to establish Rugby League on the UK capital’s sporting map. We intend to support the Skolars and do all we can to continue building on that success.”