| Ownership Model | Description | Examples |
|---|
| Member-Owned | Members elect boards; community-driven governance | Traditional Sydney clubs |
|---|
| Privately Owned | Owned by individuals/corporations | Storm, Warriors, Titans |
|---|
| Publicly Listed | Shares traded on stock exchange | Brisbane Broncos |
|---|
| Leagues Club-Owned (NFP) | Owned by not‑for‑profit leagues clubs | Sharks, Cowboys, Eels |
|---|
| Hybrid Ownership | Mix of private and member/leagues club ownership | Rabbitohs, Dragons |
|---|
| Government/ARLC Ownership | Rare special-purpose ownership | PNG Chiefs |
|---|
1. Member-Owned Clubs
These clubs are owned collectively by their financial members, who typically have voting rights and influence over governance.
Members elect boards and help guide club direction.
This model reflects the historical roots of rugby league as a community-based sport.
Source: Member-owned clubs are described as a primary NRL ownership model.
2. Privately Owned Clubs
Clubs are owned by individuals, corporations, or investment groups. These owners provide capital, strategic direction, and governance.
Examples include:
Melbourne Storm – owned by private investors.
New Zealand Warriors – owned by Autex Industries.
3. Publicly Listed Clubs
A rare model in Australian sport. Shares in the club are traded on the stock market, allowing public investment.
Example:
Brisbane Broncos, the only NRL club listed on the ASX.
4. Leagues Club-Owned (Not-for-Profit Ownership)
Many traditional NRL clubs are owned by large registered Leagues Clubs—hospitality/gaming venues that reinvest profits into sports operations.
Characteristics:
Clubs operate on a not‑for‑profit basis.
Revenue comes from gaming, hospitality, and membership rather than private equity.
Examples:
Cronulla‑Sutherland Sharks
North Queensland Cowboys
Parramatta Eels
5. Hybrid Ownership Models
A mix of private ownership and member/club ownership.
Examples include:
South Sydney Rabbitohs → 75% privately owned (Crowe/Packer/M Cannon‑Brookes group), 25% member-owned.
St George Illawarra Dragons → 50% WIN Corporation, 50% St George Leagues Club.
6. Government or Commission-Linked Ownership (Rare)
Some expansion clubs or special cases may involve ownership stakes by governing bodies.
Example:
Papua New Guinea Chiefs – jointly owned by the ARLC and Australian Government.
