Financially stricken Championship club Sheffield Wednesday could be saved by a joint bid from rival suitors, as the fight to buy the crisis-hit outfit intensifies.
Joint Bid Emerges as Deadline Looms
Administrator Begbies Traynor had set an initial deadline of Friday 5 December 2025 to begin exclusive talks with a preferred bidder. However, with at least six credible offers on the table, that timeline is now expected to slip into next week. Sources close to the process indicate there is currently no clear frontrunner.
In a significant development, it is understood that several of the parties are now considering joining forces. Such a merger of bids is seen as a genuine possibility that could help the administrators achieve their asking price, which is believed to be in excess of £30 million.
High-Profile Suitors and Points Penalty
Among the known bidders are American businessman John McEvoy and the former Newcastle United owner, Mike Ashley. The club's plight was exacerbated this week when it was hit with a further six-point deduction for breaches of EFL financial rules earlier this year. The club's former owner, Dejphon Chansiri, received a three-year ban from football activities.
UAE Expands Influence in SailGP
In other sports business news, the United Arab Emirates is set to increase its investment in the SailGP series. This follows Abu Dhabi successfully hosting the season finale for the first time last weekend. The UAE's growing clout is underscored by the calendar for next season, which will see the final two races held in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth fund, Mubadala, is the title sponsor of the newly-formed Brazilian team. Furthermore, Emirates airline sponsors the Great Britain team, which clinched the championship after a dramatic three-way battle with New Zealand and Australia. There is speculation that the UAE could eventually launch its own team in the competition.
London Stadium Snubbed for Women's World Cup
West Ham United's bid to have the London Stadium included as a venue in the Football Association's tender for the 2035 Women's World Cup was rejected last week. The club has not hosted a women's game at the ground since 2019, a fact unlikely to have aided its cause.
West Ham Women currently play at Dagenham and Redbridge's Chigwell Construction Stadium. The club blames the London Stadium's management company, E20, for "excessive charges" quoted to use the venue. Consequently, Stamford Bridge and Selhurst Park were selected as London venues in the FA's bid book alongside Wembley, the Emirates Stadium, and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Anfield was also omitted, as Liverpool did not request inclusion due to its pitch being four metres too short to meet FIFA and UEFA criteria for international matches.
Other Briefs: Cricket, Broadcasting, and Sponsorship
Middlesex County Cricket Club has received an investment offer from US-based special purpose vehicle 3SX. The proposal centres on a joint venture to fund a new ground in Uxbridge, to be used alongside their ongoing tenancy at Lord's. The club is evaluating several proposals.
TNT Sports has enlisted former England wicketkeeper Matt "The Big Cheese" Prior and Australia's Brad Haddin for their Ashes coverage in Brisbane. This follows criticism of their commentary during England's heavy first-Test defeat in Perth.
Meanwhile, the new Nations Championship in rugby union is facing commercial headwinds. While a title sponsor for the final series in London has been secured with Qatar Airways, unions are struggling to sell other sponsorship packages due to many existing pre-existing deals.
