Super League side Widnes Vikings rejected "approaches from a number of investors in non-heartlands areas" as it received interest in the franchise from prospective buyers hoping to make it the "first top-flight club to take advantage of a relaxation in the rules surrounding relocation," according to Aaron Bower of the London GUARDIAN. Rugby Football League has become "increasingly receptive" to Super League sides holding talks with potential bidders about "selling up and moving elsewhere." Vikings officials declined to comment but it is understood the club, despite sitting bottom of the Super League table, has been "identified as one of the more desirable franchises to obtain." Potential investors "remain interested in Widnes" should the club's board's stance change in the coming weeks. The club operates with a "relatively small fanbase" -- fewer than 4,000 home fans attended the most recent home fixture -- and it has "limited fixed assets," given the team is the only tenant in the Select Security Stadium. That has made it "increasingly desirable in the eyes of some investors as a potential purchase." The approaches were understood to have been rejected because the club's board "remains committed to the town, which has had a rugby league presence ever since the sport's formation in 1895." However, the club has faced "significant commercial pressures." Last year, club CEO James Rule revealed that while the team attracted new members, it also lost around £150,000 worth of membership due to '16 season ticket holders "not renewing their commitment" (GUARDIAN, 5/29).
