Exeter’s US takeover completed as Black Knight take chargeImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Exeter Chiefs reached the Prem final after a dramatic semi-final win at Bath earlier this monthByBrent PilnickBBC Sport EnglandPublished30 June 2026, 13:56 BSTUpdated 39 minutes agoThe owners of Premier League side AFC Bournemouth have completed their takeover of Prem Rugby side Exeter Chiefs. Cannae Holdings’ Black Knight Rugby are the first US-based group to take control of a top-flight side in English rugby.BBC Sport understands the deal for this month’s beaten Prem finalists is worth in the region of £25m.The club’s members, who had owned the two-time Prem champions and 2020 European Champions Cup winners, voted last month to to approve the plans.
It is a first rugby investment for Black Knight, who also have stakes in French football club FC Lorient as well as owning Auckland FC.
Exeter chief executive Tony Rowe mentioned in a statement: “If you had to choose an investor in the world of sport, you could not choose better than Black Knight. I am absolutely over the moon.”
Rowe will remain in his role and will form a new three-person executive board alongside Cannae Holdings’ vice-chairman William P Foley and chief executive Ryan Caswell.
“Black Knight’s partnership from both a capital and operation perspective will allow Exeter Chiefs to move into the franchise era with ease,” Rowe mentioned.
“Although I feel privileged to have led this club for the last 25 years, the financial burden was becoming too much for me and my family.
“With Black Knight, we can look forward to a positive future, building on what we have already achieved to keep pushing for success on and off the pitch.”
