IT may not be complete in time for Christmas, but the Newcastle Jets are edging closer to a much-anticipated change in ownership.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Australian Professional Leagues boss Danny Townsend said on Thursday that they were "pretty close to finalising" a sale of the club, which has been bankrolled by the owners of four rivals clubs for the past three seasons.
"We've been public about the journey that the Jets have been on with its current ownership and the fact that we've been looking for the right owner for that club," Townsend told ESPN. "And we're certainly pretty close to finalising that..."
An American consortium have been in talks for over a year. However other parties, including a Melbourne-based consortium, have emerged as potential bidders.
The Newcastle Herald attempted to contact Townsend.
Jets executive chairman Shane Mattiske confirmed that talks had progressed.
"There has been positive progression but there is still not a clear view on when it might be finalised," he said. "The club has seen strong growth in terms of membership and sponsorship. Crowds are now averaging above 7,000 for men's games ... all of that is really helpful in terms of the conversations that we are having."
MORE IN SPORT:
- Northern NSW Football directors to resign before vote to overthrow board
- Why Jets tyro Archie Goodwin is daring to dream about next World Cup
- Newcastle Knights get the ball rolling to re-sign Dominic Young
- Maitland Magpies sign Lucy Kell, Sophia Laurie with eye on NPLW NNSW finals in 2023
- Former NRL player Dylan Phythian sees familiar faces at Lakes: Newcastle RL
WHAT DO YOU THINK? We've made it a whole lot easier for you to have your say. Our new comment platform requires only one log-in to access articles and to join the discussion on the Newcastle Herald website. Find out how to register so you can enjoy civil, friendly and engaging discussions. Sign up for a subscription here.