York Knights have announced that a locally‑based ownership consortium has agreed to acquire a majority stake in the club. The consortium is led by York entrepreneur David Dickson and his family, and the transfer of ownership for both the men's team, York Knights, and the women's side, York Valkyrie, is currently moving through the necessary approvals of the Rugby Football League. The Knights celebrated a historic promotion to the Super League at the close of last season, marking their first appearance in the top tier of English rugby league.
They are presently positioned 12th on the league table as they adjust to the heightened level of competition. Meanwhile, York Valkyrie have continued their dominance in the women's game, securing back‑to‑back Betfred Women’s Super League championships in 2023 and 2024 and currently occupying third place in this season’s standings. In conjunction with the ownership change, long‑time chairman and chief executive Clint Goodchild has stepped down from his dual role.
The club’s current general manager, Neil Gulliver, will assume the chief executive position, while board member Richard Larking will remain on the board as a director. A formal statement from York RLFC expressed deep gratitude to Goodchild for his tenure: "The club would like to put on record its appreciation and thanks to Clint Goodchild for his time as custodian of the club. His vision, ambition and drive saw the club progress during his tenure at an incredible pace." The statement went on to highlight the club’s recent re‑branding and on‑field achievements: "Following a successful re‑brand of the club, unprecedented on‑field success followed with York Valkyrie securing back‑to‑back Betfred Women’s Super League titles and York Knights not only winning the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup at Wembley, but also gaining promotion to the Betfred Super League in 2026 for the very first time in their history." The new ownership group has pledged to build on this momentum.
"The rapid growth and recent successes of the club have brought immense pride to the city, with the incoming ownership group being fully committed to enhancing the club's future, building on these strong foundations, and unlocking York Knights' true potential," the statement read. Over the coming weeks, the consortium plans to unveil a strategic roadmap that will guide the club through the climax of the 2026 season and lay the groundwork for preparations ahead of the 2027 campaign. Goodgood reflected on his time at the helm: "I brought ambition. I leave with enough friendships and memories to last a lifetime.
On arrival I knew York was a proud rugby league city, but I didn't know then how much this place, this club and its people would come to mean to me. To the players who sacrifice their bodies, the coaches who demand more, the staff who care far beyond their job descriptions, the volunteers who give their time, the sponsors and partners who believe, and the supporters who keep turning up – thank you for believing. Together we made history. The club is in safe hands and has a very bright future.
The club is lucky to have such a wonderful Yorkshire family involved and I am excited for this next York RLFC chapter." The announcement arrives at a time when broadcasting arrangements for the Super League are also evolving. Sky Sports has confirmed that it will air every Super League match live this season, with two fixtures each round being shown exclusively on the main channel and the remaining five matches available via the Sky Sports+ streaming service. Looking ahead, the new owners intend to invest in both the senior squads and the broader community infrastructure.
Plans include upgrading training facilities, expanding youth development pathways, and strengthening community outreach programs that have long been a hallmark of rugby league in York. By leveraging the club’s recent successes, the consortium hopes to attract additional sponsorship and forge stronger partnerships with local businesses, thereby ensuring financial stability and competitive sustainability.
In addition to on‑field ambitions, the ownership group has signaled a commitment to enhancing the fan experience. Proposed initiatives range from modernising the stadium’s hospitality areas to introducing interactive digital platforms that allow supporters greater engagement with the club’s content and matchday activities. There is also an emphasis on inclusivity, with a promise to continue supporting the women’s game and to promote gender equality across all levels of the organisation.
Overall, the transition marks a pivotal moment for York rugby league. With a fresh infusion of local leadership, a clear strategic vision, and a foundation built on recent triumphs, the club is poised to cement its place in the Super League while fostering a thriving community around the sport. The coming months will reveal how the new owners translate their ambitions into tangible outcomes, but the optimism surrounding York Knights and York Valkyrie suggests a bright and prosperous future for both teams and their passionate supporters.