Stefan Borson: Newcastle owners to match Man City with mega-money deal

Newcastle United’s owners are looking to buy a new Durham-based Hundred franchise as part of a further commitment to the north-east region.

That is the view of finance expert Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider PIF and the rest of the Newcastle shareholders could be looking to replicate the work Manchester City’s owners have undertaken in that particular area of Manchester.

The Times reported on 27 July PIF is considering making a first major investment in cricket by taking a stake in a new Hundred team based in Durham.

Durham are in line to be the next franchise added to the eight-team tournament, with the ECB set to make 49-per-cent stakes in teams available in the coming weeks.

Saudi Arabia has launched strategies to enter the market in several sports in recent years, including golf, boxing and Formula 1.

Newcastle United owners likely see good value in cricket investment

Borson believes PIF likely feel there is good value in cricket after exploring a potential deal.

He told Football Insider: “It’s probably a commitment to the Newcastle area and a way to increase their investment in sport.

“I think we have seen with the City Football Group that’s gone hand in hand with investment, particularly in that part of Manchester.

“It looks like they are replicating that scenario in many ways.

“I think there are also local property opportunities that are being exploited by the Reuben’s, who own the other slice of Newcastle.

“I think they have done that for a while, so I think it’s part of a strategy generally to increase their investment around the area.

“But I suspect there is also felt to be relatively good value in cricket.

“Hampshire has had an offer from one of the Delhi-based teams, so there are opportunities in cricket.

“Clearly, they think there are bigger sporting opportunities there as well, so I think it’s all consistent.”

In other news, Newcastle make Garang Kuol transfer decision.

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The post Stefan Borson: Newcastle owners to match Man City with mega-money deal appeared first on Football Insider.