Salford Red Devils have secured their future after a takeover deal of the Betfred Super League club was confirmed.
Salford were last month issued a reduced sustainability cap of £1.2m and ordered to sell players by the Rugby Football League, which came two months after fellow Super League sides agreed to give them an advance in 2025 central distribution money.
But, eight days before their first match of the new season, last season’s fourth-placed finishers in the league announced a deal had been agreed with a consortium to buy 100 per cent of the club in an agreement that clears all the current debts.
The consortium is led by businessman Dario Berta, chief executive of investment bank Matanel, in a deal approved by the Community Benefit Society. Chris Irwin returns to the club as CEO and met with head coach Paul Rowley and the first-team squad on Friday at the Salford Community Stadium.
Before the takeover was announced, Salford Red Devils’ Ryan Brierley discussed the atmosphere and future of the club after they were issued a sustainability cap of £1.2m by the Rugby Football League
The deal is subject to final approval by the Rugby Football League.
“I’d like to express my gratitude to Paul King and the existing team within the CBS who have led the club in recent years from celebrating its 150th anniversary, a Betfred Super League Grand Final and Challenge Cup final, as well as navigating the club through tricky periods such as Covid,” said Berta
“This is the start of a very bright and successful future for Salford Red Devils. I’m very proud to be involved, and with Chris at the helm, I feel like we have the perfect opportunity to build something special.
Brierley in action in last season’s Super League against Leigh
“Our focus and dedication now is to work together with stakeholders and fans to build sustainable success on and off the pitch for the long term.”
By finishing fourth in the 2024 season, Salford qualified for the play-offs where they lost at home in the elimination round to Leigh Leopards.
The Red Devils open their 2025 campaign away at St Helens on Saturday February 15, live on Sky Sports+.
Sky Sports will again show every game of the Super League live this season – including two matches in each round exclusively live, with the remaining four matches each week shown on Sky Sports+
