A Saudi billionaire reportedly made an eye-popping offer to purchase the iconic Collingwood Football Club, stirring quite the conversation in AFL circles. While the financial backing behind the bid was staggering, the club ultimately declined the proposal. This bold move raised eyebrows, especially given the increasing number of global investors eyeing sports teams as lucrative ventures.
Former Collingwood president Eddie McGuire has since revealed that this isn’t the first time such interest has surfaced. According to McGuire, the club has been approached on multiple occasions by individuals and entities looking to take the club into private hands. Despite these lucrative offers, Collingwood has consistently reaffirmed its commitment to its core identity — a members-owned organization.
The billionaire’s bid, while dramatic, failed to sway the club’s leadership or its loyal fan base. For a team steeped in tradition and supported by one of the AFL’s most passionate followings, the concept of selling to a private owner doesn’t align with its values. Collingwood has always prided itself on being a community-first club, built on the contributions and voices of its members rather than the whims of wealthy individuals.
McGuire emphasized the importance of preserving the club’s heritage, noting that its strength lies in its grassroots connections and democratic structure. Transforming it into a privately owned enterprise, even with the promise of immense financial gain, would fundamentally alter its essence. The leadership believes that long-term success and integrity can’t be bought — they have to be earned through loyalty, culture, and shared purpose.
While foreign interest in AFL clubs might increase as the sport continues to grow in popularity, Collingwood’s latest decision sets a clear precedent. The club remains steadfast in its refusal to compromise its values, reinforcing the idea that some traditions are worth more than any amount of money.