EQT to become new Melbourne Storm owner

The National Rugby League team has announced the global investor is set to acquire a majority stake in the club, but financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

EQT will invest in the club's key strategic priorities with a focus on strengthening the football program and player pathways, as well as enhancing matchday and fan experiences.

The investment will also attract new commercial sponsorships and global partnerships to substantiate the team's "important role in the community and growing the game of rugby league across Victoria", Melbourne Storm said.

The deal is currently subject to Australian Rugby League Commission approval.

Until completion, Melbourne Storm remains under its existing ownership and leadership and will continue to operate as usual. Members and supporters will receive further updates directly as the approval process progresses. EQT will also join the board of Storm, where Matt Tripp remains as chair.

Tripp said the new ownership structure follows a thorough global search process.

"We conducted a thorough process to find the right partner to help us to continue driving the Club forward and are pleased to be able to do so with EQT joining our ownership group," Tripp said.

"EQT brings with it some incredible credentials and the partnership will only be of benefit to our club - we are proudly ambitious and have hopes for continued growth to keep Melbourne Storm at the top of Australian sport long into the future.

"The game of rugby league is as healthy as it has ever been, and we want our club to go from strength to strength alongside the code in the years to come. A partner like EQT well and truly puts us in the best position to do that."

Meanwhile, EQT managing director and sports and education investment lead Alexander Hansen added: "Melbourne Storm is an exceptional club, with a proud football culture, strong leadership and a deep connection with its supporters and the community in Victoria."

"We look forward to working with Matt, the board and the club's leadership to build on those strengths, bringing additional resources and experience to support the people and systems that have made Storm successful."