Melbourne Storm Welcomes Global Investment Firm EQT as Majority Shareholder

Melbourne Storm has announced an ownership shift following a global search, welcoming leading global investment organisation EQT as a majority shareholder in the club.

Subject to approval from the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC), EQT will acquire a controlling stake and join the club’s Board of Directors, while Matt Tripp will remain chairman to ensure leadership continuity.

The partnership is designed to propel the Storm into its next phase of commercial growth by leveraging EQT’s extensive international sporting expertise, which includes ownership of the renowned IMG Academy, global partnerships with the ATP, and collaborations with elite sports properties.

Reflecting on the rigorous selection process, Storm chairman, Matt Tripp, emphasised the ambitious vision driving the transition.

“We conducted a thorough process to find the right partner to help us to continue driving the Club forward and are pleased to be able to do so with EQT joining our ownership group.”

“EQT brings with it some incredible credentials and the partnership will only be of benefit to our Club – we are proudly ambitious and have hopes for continued growth to keep Melbourne Storm at the top of Australian sport long into the future.

“The game of rugby league is as healthy as it has ever been and we want our Club to go from strength to strength alongside the code in the years to come.

“A partner like EQT well and truly puts us in the best position to do that,” Tripp noted.

For EQT, the acquisition represents a entry into elite Australian rugby league, backed by a multi-year commitment to sustainable club governance and community integration.

Highlighting the strengths of the club, managing director and sports and education investment lead at EQT in Asia Pacific, Alexander Hansen, said: “Melbourne Storm is an exceptional Club, with a proud football culture, strong leadership and a deep connection with its supporters and the community in Victoria.”

“We look forward to working with Matt, the Board and the Club’s leadership to build on those strengths, bringing additional resources and experience to support the people and systems that have made Storm successful.”

Until regulatory approvals are finalised, the club will continue to operate under its existing ownership structure as leadership prepares for a new era of sports business expansion.

The investment will directly target the club’s core priorities, focusing heavily on bolstering the football program, enhancing player pathways, upgrading fan and matchday experiences, and securing global commercial sponsorships.

In addition, existing management will remain entirely intact, with CEO Justin Rodski, head coach Craig Bellamy, and director of Football Frank Ponissi continuing to direct daily operations.

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