Super League clubs have voted against Toronto Wolfpack’s return in 2021.
The Canadian club lost the vote 8-4 with new owner Carlo LiVolsi unable to persuade the majority they had a sustainable plan going forward.
Toronto withdrew from the 2020 competition after previous owner David Argyle walked away due to overwhelming financial challenges.
LiVolsi came in with a promise to pay the Wolfpack’s outstanding debts to players, staff and sponsors if they were readmitted into Super League next season.
His bid was rejected though leaving those out of pocket in the lurch and the club’s future in serious doubt.
A statement released by the Wolfpack reads: “Toronto Wolfpack can confirm that regrettably the club’s application to re-enter the Betfred Super League for the 2021 season, under new ownership, has not been approved.
“The Wolf Grooming Investment Group were not able to agree terms for re-entry with Super League Europe, the Rugby Football League (RFL) and the 11 current Super League member clubs at a meeting earlier today.
“The club shares the obvious disappointment of our players, staff, sponsor and partners, as well as incredible fans, at today’s decision.
“The Wolfpack will now take some time to consider our position and consult further with the current ownership group, led by David Argyle.”
Today’s outcome also causes more uncertainty for Super League going forward with an uneven 11-team competition currently in place for next season.
It’s unknown who, if anyone, will fill that 12th spot with the only certainty being that it won’t be Toronto.
The Wolfpack only entered the professional ranks in 2017 but have had a meteoric rise from League One to Super League in just three years.
David Argyle’s financial power allowed them to spend big on their way to the top flight, but this year has seen them run into numerous financial and logistical problems.
The club has struggled to recoup the money spent on big transfers like Sonny Bill Williams, while costs of travel and accommodation have continued to mount.
Their demise is far from a lone case in terms of rugby league expansion clubs, but it may just be the biggest failure yet with Toronto’s huge potential in sport now looking a distant dream.
