NRL: Eric Watson open to fans buying in on Warriors

Warriors owner Eric Watson with coach Stephen Kearney in February. Photo / Photosport.

A crowdfunding campaign to buy the Warriors has been dismissed but fans may still be able to purchase a stake in the struggling NRL club.

Warriors owner Eric Watson is in talks to sell the club to several interested parties but considering various options that could see him retain a stake in the Penrose-based franchise he has part-owned since 2000.

The Herald understands serious consideration is being given to a group of prospective investors buying in together with Watson as co-owners - with an additional share made available for fans and sponsors to purchase.

Former Warriors captain Monty Betham last week suggested the club's fans launch a crowdfunding campaign to buy their beloved team, but 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.

But the Herald understands Watson remains open to the idea of fans taking on a share of the club's ownership in a much reduced capacity with the Warriors remaining as a private enterprise.

The way it could work is if three or four individuals were to each buy a share, say 10 per cent, with Watson and Doyle, who currently owns a 10 per cent stake, retaining a controlling share between them.

The potential would then exist for fans- possibly a crowdfunding group as per Betham's proposal - to also buy a stake, at a value determined by the cost of the shares sold to the group of new investors.

Shares could be made available for sale for fans and sponsors to purchase during a certain timeframe and depending on the level of interest and how many are sold, Watson's stake could then diminish to perhaps 30 or even as low as 10 per cent.

The Herald contacted Doyle for comment but he declined saying all discussions around the club's potential sale remain private and confidential.

Betham is excited by the possibility that the Warriors fan base could still claim a stake in the club's ownership.

"I think it's great because you saw what happened when I tried to point out that there is some shares available, how people jumped on board because they're so passionate and they love the club," said Betham.

"It may not be for everyone but if there's an option there to truly support the club that you love, it's great to get try buy-in and I'm excited that the club is looking at that possibility for the future."

Auckland businessman Paul Davys has offered Watson $15 million to buy the Warriors while Watson's asking price is $20 million.

The pair are going through the due diligence process which is expected to take up to two weeks.