York Knights have confirmed that a “locally-based ownership group” has agreed to take over a majority share of the club.
The group is headed by York businessman David Dickson and his family with the transfer of ownership for both York Knights and York Valkyrie currently progressing and pending formal approval by the Rugby Football League.
York Knights won promotion to Super League for the first time at the end of last season and are 12th in the table.
York Valkyrie won consecutive Women’s Super League titles in 2023 and 2024 and currently sit third in this year’s table.
Clint Goodchild has stepped down as chairman and CEO, with current general manager Neil Gulliver to become chief executive. Richard Larking remains on the board as a director.
A York RLFC statement read: “The club would like to put on record their 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.
“Following a successful re-brand of the club, unprecedented on field success followed with York Valkyrie securing back-to-back Betfred Women’s Super League titles and York Knights not only winning the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup at Wembley, but also gaining promotion to the Betfred Super League in 2026 for the very first time in their history.
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“The rapid growth and recent successes of the club has brought immense pride to the city, with the incoming ownership group being 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 their strategic plans and vision as the 2026 season reaches its climax and preparations for 2027 begin.”
Goodchild said: “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.”
Sky Sports will show every game of the Super League live this season, including two matches each round exclusively live. The remaining five matches will be broadcast on Sky Sports+.