Negotiations over the purchase of Cardiff have hit the buffers and the controversial deal is set to fall through, as things stand
15:42, 17 Apr 2026Updated 15:43, 17 Apr 2026
Y11’s bid to buy Cardiff looks set to fall through(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)
Y11 Sports & Media’s bid to buy Cardiff is on the verge of falling through, with the Welsh Rugby Union set to own the club indefinitely.
The likely development looks set to be the latest twist in Welsh rugby’s ongoing drama, casting further doubt on how the union will deliver its plan to cut from four to three professional teams.
The Ospreys owners were chosen as the preferred bidder for Cardiff Rugby in January and were subsequently granted a 60-day exclusivity period to negotiate with the WRU.
Swansea Council then decided to pursue legal action against the WRU after minutes were released of a meeting between council leader Rob Stewart, WRU CEO Abi Tierney and Ospreys CEO Lance Bradley, which indicated the Ospreys would cease to exist as a professional rugby club if Y11 bought Cardiff.
The exclusivity period was then extended for a further 30 days and ends next Wednesday, although that extension is not legally binding. This was discussed at a WRU board meeting on Thursday.
READ MORE: WRU chairman Richard Collier-Keywood to step down
WalesOnline understands that, as things stand, Y11 will not be the new owners of Cardiff and although things could change between now and next week, that is the direction of travel.
But further negotiations between Y11 and the WRU will take place over the next few days and things could change.It remains to be seen what Y11’s future will look like if they do not buy Cardiff with some sources indicating they could walk away from Welsh rugby completely over the next couple of years.
The other option is for Y11 to bid for the west licence to ensure the Ospreys survive, or to force a merger with the Scarlets.
WRU CEO Tierney also indicated to clubs at Monday’s EGM that a new team could be set up in the west.
The WRU took ownership of Cardiff Rugby a year ago after the club entered administration. Its intention was to find a buyer for the club but certain board members feel it would be best if the governing body continued to own the capital city club.
The other option could be for the consortium headed up by former Cardiff director Martyn Ryan, which includes three prominent Hollywood producers, to buy the club but as things stand it looks like the union will remain the owner.
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At Monday night’s EGM the WRU said they were still committed to reducing the number of professional clubs from four to three, despite chair Richard Collier-Keywood standing down in July.
But how they achieve this is unclear, especially if Y11 do not end up as the new owners of Cardiff.
However, the WRU could have at least a year to decide given the United Rugby Championship needs to find a replacement for the axed Welsh team.