A new development has surfaced regarding Birmingham City’s proposed 62,000-seat Powerhouse stadium, which is set to anchor a multi-billion-pound regeneration project in East Birmingham.
According to reports, the Championship club are exploring involvement in a potential rebrand of Premiership Rugby, as Blues look to maximise revenue streams tied to their future home.
Birmingham City have played at St Andrew’s since 1906 but are expected to relocate to the Powerhouse by summer 2030. Knighthead Capital Management chairman Tom Wagner has previously outlined ambitions of restoring the club to the Premier League before the move is completed, ending a top-flight absence that stretches back to 2011.
Significant investment has already been made under Wagner’s ownership, with manager Chris Davies backed in the transfer market. Despite that, Blues currently sit 14th in the Championship, having collected 34 points from 26 matches.
The Powerhouse stadium forms part of the wider Sports Quarter project, a development estimated to cost between £2bn and £3bn, and is intended to serve as a year-round community and commercial hub. Plans include retail space, entertainment venues, and multi-sport usage.
With Tom Brady installed as Advisory Board President, the stadium is expected to host NFL games, major concerts, and other global events. It has also previously been suggested that rugby union could be part of the venue’s future.
Rugby groundshare now under consideration
While rugby does not traditionally command major support in Birmingham, GiveMeSport report that the club are now assessing the possibility of becoming involved in a restructured Premiership Rugby, potentially bringing top-flight rugby to the city.
Features such as a retractable pitch have been discussed, enabling the stadium to accommodate multiple sports. Birmingham are also believed to be in dialogue with the FA regarding hosting England Lionesses fixtures.
The report adds that the RFU has been approached about placing a Premiership Rugby side in Birmingham, amid wider discussions over whether the division could transition into a closed franchise model.
Premiership Rugby is said to be working alongside investment bank Raine and accountancy firm Deloitte, as it looks to secure new funding after selling 27% of its commercial rights. The league has faced significant financial challenges in recent years, with Worcester Warriors, Wasps and London Irish all collapsing.
Revenue at the heart of Powerhouse vision
Despite doubts over rugby crowds filling a 60,000-plus stadium, Birmingham City believe additional events would significantly boost revenues.
When unveiling the Powerhouse project, Wagner suggested the venue could generate up to £750 million per year, adding:
“My gut tells me we’ll do better than that because of the level of interest we’re seeing — from entertainment acts, sports teams, and global events.”
Premiership Rugby’s proposed restructuring could reportedly be completed by 2028, two years before the Powerhouse is due to open — potentially positioning Birmingham City at the heart of one of the most ambitious stadium projects in British sport.
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