SA Rugby is planning a private equity deal which will see an American-based firm buy a 20% stake in the Springboks. According to SA Rugby Managing Director Rian Oberholzer, they will seek approval at a general council meeting on 30 May to sell the 20% stake of the rights to a Seattle-based private equity firm called Ackerley Sports Group. The Springboks' commercial rights have been valued at $375 million .
According to Oberholzer, SA Rugby hopes to generate R800 million in sponsorship money by 2027, more than double the amount earned last year. Oberholzer says that the Ackerley Sports Group was selected by Six Nations Rugby competitions investor CVC Capital Partners in December.