Pro14 Rugby is "poised for further expansion with three more South African sides set to join the competition" by the start of the '20-21 season, according to Steffan Thomas of WALES ONLINE. Celtic rugby’s "main tournament" grew from 12 teams to 14 for the start of this campaign with the addition of the Cheetahs and Southern Kings. It "is understood two more South African sides will enter" the Pro14 for the '19-20 season, with "another jumping on board for the campaign after." Natal Sharks is understood to be "the first team likely to commit." The Lions and Stormers "are the most likely to follow suit, though which of those two would join first is unclear." Pro14 bosses "have been heartened by the on-field impact" of the Cheetahs and Kings and "believe the prospective introduction of the Sharks and further South African sides will significantly increase the quality of the competition" and make it "more attractive" to broadcasters and investors. Pro14 CEO Martin Anayi has been tasked with increasing the competition’s revenue streams, "which he has done successfully." Under Anayi, Pro14’s TV income has risen from £12M to "somewhere in the region" of between £20M ($27M) and £30M ($40.6M), with a "new broadcasting deal seeing paid-for provider Premier Sports taking over the rights for next season" (WALES ONLINE, 5/6).
