Top five richest Gallagher Prem clubs after Exeter Chief's takeover completed

 newcomers to join the top flight in 2011… but can you remember the rest?

The owners of Premier League club AFC Bournemouth have become the first US-based group to take control of a top-flight English rugby club after members voted to approve the sale earlier this month.

Led by billionaire businessman Bill Foley, Black Knight Rugby already owns AFC Bournemouth, NHL franchise the Vegas Golden Knights and Auckland FC, while also holding a stake in French football club FC Lorient. The acquisition ends Tony Rowe's 25-year financial backing of Exeter and provides the club with fresh investment ahead of a new chapter.

The deal is another sign of the changing financial landscape in English rugby. Once built around wealthy local benefactors, the Gallagher PREM is now increasingly backed by billionaires, multinational corporations and global investment groups. From Red Bull's arrival at Newcastle and Sir James Dyson's investment in Bath to Steve Lansdown's continued backing of Bristol and Saracens' wealthy consortium, the league has never been richer.

Below, we rank the five richest ownership groups in the Gallagher PREM.

Estimated combined wealth: £1bn+

Saracens entered a new era after long-time owner Nigel Wray stepped back from his controlling role. The club is now backed by a consortium led by investment banker Dominic Silvester alongside a number of international investors.

Rather than relying on one billionaire, Saracens have adopted a model focused on long-term financial stability following their salary-cap scandal and relegation in 2020. The investment allows the club to remain one of the strongest off-field operations in English rugby while continuing to produce elite talent through its academy.

Estimated net worth: £1.5bn

Exeter's takeover is one of the biggest moments in the club's history.

American billionaire Bill Foley has built an impressive sporting empire through Black Knight Sports & Entertainment. Alongside AFC Bournemouth, he owns the NHL's Vegas Golden Knights, A-League club Auckland FC and holds a stake in French side FC Lorient.

Known for building successful multi-club organisations, Foley places a major emphasis on analytics, recruitment, commercial growth and sporting performance. His arrival gives Exeter one of the wealthiest ownership groups in world rugby.

Estimated net worth: £2.4bn

Steve Lansdown made his fortune by co-founding financial services giant Hargreaves Lansdown before creating Bristol Sport, one of Britain's most successful multi-sport organisations.

Alongside Bristol Bears, Lansdown also owns Bristol City Football Club and Bristol Flyers basketball team, with all three clubs benefiting from shared facilities and investment at Ashton Gate.

Since taking control of Bristol Rugby in 2012, Lansdown has invested heavily in the squad, training ground and wider infrastructure, helping establish the Bears as regular Premiership contenders.

Estimated combined wealth: £12.3bn+

Bath became one of the richest clubs in world rugby when inventor Sir James Dyson purchased a 50% stake to join long-time owner Bruce Craig.

Dyson, whose personal fortune is estimated at around £12 billion, has supported Bath for decades and says his investment is designed to secure the club's future rather than chase short-term success.

Together with Craig, the pair plan to strengthen Bath's long-term finances while continuing to invest in facilities, the playing squad and the redevelopment of The Recreation Ground.

Estimated corporate value: £20bn+

No ownership group in the Gallagher PREM can match the financial resources of Red Bull.

The Austrian energy drinks giant has built one of the most successful sporting portfolios in the world, owning clubs including RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg and the New York Red Bulls, while also dominating Formula One through Oracle Red Bull Racing.

Its investment has transformed Newcastle from one of English rugby's most financially vulnerable clubs into arguably the league's best-backed. Alongside financial muscle, Red Bull brings unrivalled expertise in sports science, athlete development, marketing and commercial growth.

The Gallagher PREM is becoming a competition increasingly shaped by billionaire owners and global corporations.

Red Bull's arrival at Newcastle, Bill Foley's takeover of Exeter, Sir James Dyson's investment in Bath and Steve Lansdown's continued backing of Bristol have dramatically altered the financial landscape of English rugby, while Saracens continue to benefit from the support of a wealthy international consortium.

Although the Premiership salary cap prevents clubs from simply buying success, these ownership groups are investing heavily in infrastructure, academies, commercial growth and long-term sustainability.

Whether that financial power ultimately translates into trophies remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the balance of power in English rugby has changed forever.

London Welsh were the last

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