The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) confirmed its intention to sell Cardiff Rugby to Y11 Sport & Media following what the Union describes as “a rigorous open bidding process.”

After the process was whittled down to two different bidders – Y11 and a consortium led by former Cardiff director Martin Ryan – the WRU reportedly decided on Monday that they would enter into a period of exclusivity with Y11.

Y11 are the majority shareholders at Ospreys, with reaction from both Cardiff and Ospreys fans to the news overwhelmingly negative. Ospreys players released a statement this week to say that they had been “left in the dark” by their owners.

There were also reports of a walkout during a meeting with club chief executive Lance Bradley after he told the squad of his intention to buy Cardiff.

With the Union set on reducing the number of teams from four to three, the fear now is that Ospreys will be the team to go.

However, in the statement, the Union say that Ospreys will continue to play in the United Rugby Championship and EPCR European competitions until the end of next season.

“On completion of the deal, Y11 would become the new owners of Cardiff Rugby which would remain an independent club and brand playing at Cardiff Arms Park,” read the statement.

“Y11 would also continue as the owners of Ospreys as a separate club, and Ospreys will continue to play in the URC and EPCR competitions until at least the end of the 26/27 season.”

The WRU say that the decision to sell Cardiff to Y11 is “subject to contract” and that it is a “significant milestone for Welsh rugby”.

“This follows a unanimous decision by the WRU Board held on 19 January 2026,” the statement adds.

“The decision was based on the best financial future for Cardiff Rugby including access to identified funding and security of long-term investment. The Board also considered commitment to the Cardiff Rugby brand and heritage in its decision making criteria.”

Both parties now enter an exclusivity period of 60 days to complete detailed negotiations and due diligence. At the end of the exclusivity period the transaction would be confirmed and the final details communicated to all parties.

Bradley confirms Y11 intention to own both Cardiff and Ospreys

In a statement to Ospreys fans and business partners, chief executive Lance Bradley apologised for the instability and lack of communication around the future of the club.

“Firstly, I want to apologise to you all about not being able to communicate with you earlier, following the leaked news this week that Y11 have been selected by the WRU as their preferred bidder for Cardiff Rugby,” Bradley says.

“The discussions between Y11 and the WRU are commercially confidential, so could not be discussed until certain agreements were in place. I hope you can understand that.

“I recognise, however, that this has resulted in a few days of increased uncertainty, and that this has left many of you wondering what’s happening with your club. I’m now sharing with you as much information as I can about the situation.”

Bradley says that Y11 intends to own both clubs.

“Whether a deal is concluded or not, however, Y11 will continue to own and operate Ospreys,” Bradley adds.

“If a deal for Cardiff is finalised, this would see Y11 owning and operating both Ospreys and Cardiff, with both regions continuing to play as separate teams.

“Crucially, I want to make clear that the Ospreys will continue to play in the URC and EPCR competitions until at least the end of the 26/27 season.

“I am in constant communication with our owners. Insofar as we can control it, I can assure you that updates about any longer term plans for Ospreys Rugby will first be heard by Ospreys players, staff and their families.”

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