York Knights have announced that a new ownership consortium, rooted in the local community, has agreed to acquire a controlling stake in the club. The consortium is led by York entrepreneur David Dickson and his family, and the transfer of shares for both the men's team, York Knights, and the women's side, York Valkyrie, is currently moving through the necessary formalities and awaits final approval from the Rugby Football League. The Knights achieved a historic milestone at the close of last season by earning promotion to the Super League for the first time in the club's history, and they are presently positioned 12th on the league table.
Meanwhile, the 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 sitting in third place this season. In conjunction with the ownership change, long‑standing 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, providing continuity during the transition. A formal statement from York RLFC expressed gratitude toward Goodchild, noting, "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 remarkable achievements that have followed a recent re‑branding effort, including the Valkyrie's consecutive league titles and the Knights' triumph in the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup at Wembley, which paved the way for their promotion to the Betfred Super League in 2026. "The rapid growth and recent successes of the club have brought immense pride to the city," the release continued.
"The incoming ownership group is fully committed to enhancing the club's future, building on these strong foundations, and unlocking York Knights' true potential. Over the coming weeks the club will outline its strategic plans and vision as the 2026 season reaches its climax and preparations for 2027 begin." Goodchild reflected on his tenure, saying, "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 the sport’s media landscape is also evolving. Sky Sports has confirmed that it will broadcast every Super League match live this season, with two fixtures each round shown exclusively on the main channel and the remaining five matches available via Sky Sports+. This increased exposure is expected to boost the club’s profile and attract further commercial interest.
Looking ahead, the new owners have signaled a clear ambition to not only consolidate the Knights' place in the Super League but also to expand the club’s community outreach and youth development programs. Plans under consideration include upgrading training facilities, establishing stronger ties with local schools, and launching a series of fan‑engagement initiatives designed to deepen the bond between the club and its supporters.
In addition to on‑field performance, the ownership group intends to explore sustainable revenue streams, such as enhanced hospitality packages at York Community Stadium, strategic partnerships with regional businesses, and the development of digital content aimed at a global audience. By leveraging the club’s recent successes and the growing popularity of rugby league, they hope to create a financially robust model that can support long‑term competitiveness.
The transition also brings a renewed focus on the women's game. York Valkyrie, having already cemented their status as a powerhouse in the Betfred Women’s Super League, will receive additional resources to maintain their winning trajectory. This includes potential investments in coaching staff, sports science support, and marketing campaigns to raise the profile of women's rugby league both locally and nationally.
Overall, the takeover marks a significant chapter in York RLFC’s evolution. With a locally rooted ownership group, a clear strategic vision, and a foundation built on recent triumphs, the club is poised to continue its ascent in both the men’s and women’s competitions. Fans, sponsors, and the broader York community can look forward to a period of sustained growth, heightened ambition, and a renewed sense of pride in their beloved rugby league institutions.