We are pleased to announce a major new investment in the parent company of our professional club, the Dragons, marking an important milestone in our Ymladd 2030 strategy. The investment sees Machroes Holdings Limited take a 40% shareholding in the club, bringing new capital into the Dragons to strengthen the club and support its ambitions on and off the court.
Wales Netball remains the majority shareholder, retaining a 60% stake and overall ownership and control of the club.
This completed deal is an important step for the future of elite netball in Wales. It follows a period of significant transformation, during which we have strengthened our governance, financial management and commercial foundations to put the club and the wider sport on a more sustainable footing.
The investment is also a key step in delivering Ymladd 2030, our strategic blueprint for building a financially sustainable, high-performing netball ecosystem from grassroots to elite level.
The announcement comes as we mark our 80th year, with the Welsh Feathers, currently ranked seventh in the world, preparing for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and the Sydney 2027 Netball World Cup.
Sarah Boswell, Chief Executive Officer at Wales Netball, said:
“This is a landmark moment for netball in Wales. Securing this investment is a powerful endorsement of the work that has gone on behind the scenes to put our sport on a sustainable footing, and it gives the Dragons the stability and ambition to compete at the very highest level.
“Wales Netball retains majority ownership and control of the club, and this partnership allows us to accelerate everything we set out to achieve through Ymladd 2030 – from the grassroots game right through to the international stage. I am very excited to build on the Dragons’ performance this season with this fantastic support from Machroes Holdings Limited and look forward to seeing the team continue to perform at the highest level.”
Helen Williams, Chair of Wales Netball, said:
“As a board, our responsibility is to safeguard the long-term future of netball in Wales, and this investment is a clear sign of the progress we have made. It reflects real confidence in our leadership, our governance and our vision, with Wales Netball remaining the proud custodian of the Dragons.
“I want to thank Machroes Holdings Limited and our key stakeholders, members, players and partners, whose belief and commitment have helped make this possible.” ”
Thomas Davies, CEO of Machroes Holdings Limited, said:
“We are proud to be investing in the Dragons and in the future of women’s sport in Wales. The ambition, talent and momentum at Wales Netball and the club are clear to see, and I have great confidence in the leadership and the vision being built through Ymladd 2030.
“This is the start of an exciting journey and we are looking forward to playing our part in it.”
The Welsh Netball Association, as the national governing body for netball in Wales, is not affected by the transaction, which relates solely to the professional club.
This investment marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Dragons and for netball in Wales. We continue to welcome conversations with partners and investors who share our ambition for the future of the sport.
To discuss commercial opportunities or explore ways to support netball in Wales, please contact commercial@walesnetball.com.
