Exeter Chiefs have finalized an American-backed takeover offer that will be put to a vote of the club's 700 members in a special general meeting next month. Chairman Tony Rowe, who has been instrumental in funding the club for 30 years, declined to comment specifics until presenting the full plan to members. The move follows more than £10m in post-tax losses and Rowe's public search for new ownership to ensure the club's long-term sustainability.

The Chiefs join other Premiership clubs seeking external investment, following Newcastle's acquisition by energy drink giant Red Bull and Bath's partnership with billionaire Sir James Dyson. A franchise-style model with on-pitch relegation scrapped will begin next season, with league officials claiming this provides the certainty needed to attract investors. Plans include expanding to 20 teams across two US-style conferences by 2040.

Currently sitting fourth in the league and into the European Challenge Cup semi-finals, Exeter represent one of the traditional model's greatest successes. The club first reached the Premiership in 2010 through a play-off victory over Bristol and went on to claim an English and European double a decade later. Their position contrasts with their ninth-place finish in 2024-25, marking a significant resurgence this season.