Former National Rugby League side New Zealand Warriors captain Monty Betham "entered formal discussions" with Eric Watson about buying the Auckland-based club, according to David Skipwith of the NEW ZEALAND HERALD. Betham last week suggested Warriors fans "launch a crowdfunding campaign to buy their beloved team," after Watson confirmed he was "in talks to sell the club to several interested parties." Watson is "giving serious consideration" to a group of prospective investors buying in with him as co-owners -- with an additional share made available for fans and sponsors to purchase. Betham announced that he and London-based Watson have held initial talks and confirmed that "plans are well underway for him to lead a bid on behalf of Warriors fans." Betham said, "We're putting together a team but on Monday we'll have a press conference to let people know where we're at and what our plans are." The development comes after Auckland businessman Paul Davys "fell out of the race to purchase the Penrose-based franchise." Watson's asking price is NZ$20M ($14.4M), although he is "still considering his options and remains open to the idea of retaining a stake in the club." The prospect of fans claiming full ownership "would bring numerous complications" -- including questions around "how the deal would be structured, who would manage the club, and whether and how shares could be on-sold" (NZ HERALD, 8/24).
STEPPING DOWN: STUFF reported on Thursday, Watson stepped down as Warriors chair, with CEO Jim Doyle stepping into the role of exec chair, while COO Cameron George "will become CEO." In announcing the exec changes, Watson "made no mention of sale plans" but admitted the Warriors "would be better equipped for success" with an Auckland-based chair. In a statement, Watson said, "The chairman's role is best performed locally. It's a fast-paced business with a lot going on at any one time. In more recent times, I've had limited opportunities to spend time in New Zealand and have a lot of demands on my time. ... A local chairman will be better placed to steer the Warriors to achieving success" (STUFF, 8/25).
