Cardiff: the hour draws near

[UKHamlet]

From Wails Online.

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rug ... s-33181236

"The clock is ticking on Cardiff Rugby’s future, with a final deadline for takeover bids looming next Monday as pressure intensifies on senior figures inside the Welsh Rugby Union.
After a long process the WRU had a long list down to the final two bidders shortly before Christmas. One is a consortium led by former Cardiff director Martyn Ryan, which also includes Rhino CEO Reg Clarke and three Hollywood producers.
It is also no secret the Ospreys' majority shareholders Y11 Sports & Media have been part of the process to buy Cardiff.
The WRU initially slapped a £10m price tag on Cardiff, while the successful bidder would also need to take on £6m worth of debt.
In the event Y11 were to purchase the club it would have to take on both the Cardiff and Ospreys debt, which lessens its attractiveness.
WalesOnline understands there is a split on the WRU board over the best way forward for Cardiff, with certain parties keen to do a deal with Y11 because that is the only way the governing body can go to three professional clubs by consensus.
But the Ospreys are confident they have a long-term future in Welsh rugby and are preparing to move into a redeveloped St Helen's for the 2026/27 season.
The consortium, which includes three Hollywood producers, appears to be the best option for Cardiff.
They include British-born producer Gareth West, whose credits include the film Ferrari, who has partnered with Mark Williams, best known for producing the critically acclaimed Netflix series Ozark and hit movies The Accountant 1 & 2, in the bold move.
They are joined by Danish executive Niels Juul, known for his work on major Hollywood productions such as Silence, The Irishman and Killers of the Flower Moon.
As part of ambitious plans they want to create a scripted TV show based in Cardiff with the aim of promoting the club worldwide, particularly in the US, while it is also an extremely strong financial offer.
The final offers are due on Monday and the WRU are expected to make a decision shortly after."

Two considerations. The Hollywood offer is likely to generate more income for the greatest rugby club in the world, but Y11 have a track record.
Could the Hollywood offer be too good to be true? My worry gland has kicked in.

[Sandydragon]

If W11 are expected to accept the debt of both Cardiff and the Ospreys, they must really see some long term potential risk in the new structure (ie less control and paying the WRU a profit share).