Tech billionaire buys into South Sydney to make them the richest sporting club in Australia

South Sydney Rabbitohs already had high profile ownership in shape of co-owners James Parker and of course actor Russell Crowe.

The duo underpinned Souths’ success over the last decade with the Bunnies consistently pushing for a place in the top four and securing Premiership glory in 2014 on the back of a Man of the Match display from Sam Burgess and a brilliant try from Greg Inglis.

They returned to the final again in 2021 only to lose by the skin of their teeth against an exceptional Penrith side.

Speaking of exceptional, exceptionally rich multi-billionaire Mike Cannon-Brooks has now bought into the club alongside Crowe and Parker. The three each enjoy a 25% share with the members controlling the remaining 25%.

With an estimated wealth of $26 billion, Cannon-Brooks’ involvement with the club makes them the richest sporting club in Australia as he looks to help Crowe and Parker – who himself has a net worth $5 billion – continue the success achieved by the Rabbitohs under their stewardship.

Cannon-Brooks has recently made headlines for spending $70 million on at least seven different local farms and estates as he looks to use regenerative agriculture farming methods to save the planet.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Cannon-Brooks noted just how special the club is and his excitement at being involved with the Rabbitohs: “The South Sydney Rabbitohs are special. Not only are we the oldest, loudest and proudest, we are an organisation people truly, deeply care about.

“I’m looking forward to partnering with Russell and James and bringing what I can to the table to help the club grow to even greater heights.”

Meanwhile, Crowe believed it was a huge moment for the club as they look to stay ahead of their rivals on and off the field: “This is a very strong move for the club. It connects us to the front edge of emerging technologies and business, and underlines the importance of our efforts in the community.

“Mike understands the resonance of sport in Australia, and James and I welcome his input going forward in keeping South Sydney ahead of the curve, and a game leading organisation, on and off the field.”