Springbok Rights May Be Sold to Ackerley, Business Day Says

Ackerley Sports Group will get control of the commercial rights to the Springboks rugby brand if a proposed deal goes ahead this week, Business Day said, citing a copy of a business plan it had seen.

In exchange for $75 million paid over four years Ackerley will get a 20% stake in a newly created commercial rights company and control of its board, Business Day said, citing the documents. The proposal is to be voted on by the member unions of SA Rugby, which oversees the reigning world champion Springboks team, on Oct. 17.

Ackerley, formed last year by brothers Christopher and Ted Ackerley of Ackerley Partners LLC, will take three of the seven voting board seats in the new company and as well as the right to appoint someone to the role of chair, the Johannesburg-based newspaper said. It will be permitted to sell its stake after eight years, Business Day said.

SA Rugby, in a response to queries, confirmed the purchase prices and said Ackerley will be permitted to sell its stake. It said the chairman will be independent.

Ackerley, which is based in Seattle, didn’t respond to emailed questions sent outside of normal business hours.

The Springboks have won the World Cup a record four times, gaining global recognition as the team, once an emblem of apartheid, held up as an example of successful racial transformation in South Africa.