由赌博企业家马修·特里普领导的财团正接近以约1.3亿美元的价格出售墨尔本风暴队的控股权，瑞典私募股权公司EQT被认为是潜在买家[1]。这宗交易反映出该橄榄球俱乐部价值的显著提升，俱乐部整体估值可能高达2亿美元，年营收约6000万美元[1]。
值得注意的是，默多克家族在2013年将这支俱乐部无偿转让给特里普时，墨尔本风暴队当时正面临年亏损700万美元的困境[1]。俱乐部财务状况的大幅好转与整个橄榄球联赛的商业化进展密切相关，国家橄榄球联赛（NRL）近期与Foxtel和Nine签署了为期七年、价值53亿澳元的转播协议[1]。根据预期，从2028年起NRL球员薪资上限将从1200万美元增至1800万美元[1]。相比之下，默多克家族控制的上市俱乐部布里斯班野马队在2025年实现净利润780万美元，较前一年的570万美元增长37%[1]。
A consortium led by gambling entrepreneur Matthew Tripp is close to selling its controlling stake in the Melbourne Storm for approximately $130 million, with Swedish private equity firm EQT identified as a potential buyer.[1] The sale reflects a significant transformation in Australian sports commerce, with the club's valuation estimated to reach as high as $200 million and annual revenues around $60 million.[1]
The transaction underscores a remarkable turnaround for the NRL franchise. When the Murdoch family transferred the club to Tripp in 2013, it was losing $7 million annually.[1] The timing of the sale coincides with enhanced financial prospects for NRL teams, as the league recently signed a seven-year broadcasting agreement worth $5.3 billion with Foxtel and Nine.[1] Player salary caps are expected to increase from $12 million to $18 million starting in 2028.[1] The improved financial outlook is evident across the league—the Brisbane Broncos, controlled by the Murdoch family and listed publicly, reported a net profit of $7.8 million in 2025, representing a 37 percent increase from $5.7 million the previous year.[1]