TV presenter Nick Knowles buys stake in Championship side Cornish Pirates
What's the deal? British television presenter Nick Knowles has become a shareholder in Championship rugby side Cornish PiratesDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, joining the club's ownership group. Knowles, best known for shows including DIY SOS and National Lottery: Who Dares Wins , has been an ambassador for the club for over a season.
Why now? The club has sought fresh investment since long-serving owner Sir Dicky Evans ended his near three-decade association with the Pirates in January 2025. In May 2026, Pittsburgh-based Stonewood Capital ManagementDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → became the first American owner of an English professional side, taking a stake in the club.
What's the endgame? Chief executive Sally Pettipher said the investment supports a 10-year development plan to make the Pirates a top Premiership club. "This investment, becoming a shareholder, is him putting some skin in the game and bringing with him his rugby heritage," she told BBC Sport.
Ownership is now a mix of US-based investors and shareholders based closer to home. Pettipher described Knowles as bringing rugby connections, philanthropy, and visibility. "The more eyes on we have, the more we can build our national and international audience," she said.
What could go wrong? Promotion under the new franchise-based system requires meeting strict minimum standards. A new salary floor means the business plan must support a £5m budget for players alone — a challenge for a club with only 14 home matches a year.
Infrastructure is another hurdle. The main grandstand at the Mennaye Field, damaged by Storm Goretti in January 2026, will not be ready for the pre-season game against Saracens on 28 August 2026.
The signal: The Pirates' expanding ownership group reflects a broader shift in second-tier English rugby, where clubs are courting outside capital — including US money — to fund the commercial infrastructure needed to compete at the top level.
Read more: BBC Sport
Image credit: nedrichards
