Tech Billionaire Becomes South Sydney Rabbitohs Co-Owner

A billionaire businessman has become co-owner of the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Aussie tech mogul Mike Cannon-Brookes joins Russell Crowe and James Packer at the helm of the famous rugby league club.

Cannon-Brookes, who founded software company Atlassian, is worth an estimated $37 billion and has now bought a 25 per cent stake in the Bunnies.

"I'm excited and humbled to be a part of this iconic club," Cannon-Brookes said.

Twitter/@SSFCRABBITOHS

"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."

It's understood Cannon-Brookes, Rusty and Packer all own a 25 per cent stake in the Rabbitohs with the club's members owning the remaining 25 per cent.

PA

But it seems it's not just NRL Cannon-Brookes is a fan of.

The tech giant is also the first Australian in history to own a minority stake in an NBA team.

The bloke clearly loves his sport, but it's climate change where Cannon-Brookes' passion really lies having already pledged billions of dollars to the cause.

For current owner Crowe, who has worked with Cannon-Brookes in the past, he knows what the guy can bring to the table.

"I'm sure it hasn't gone unnoticed to South Sydney members and supporters that Mike wears a white Rabbitohs hat for special occasions," Crowe said.

"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."

Topics: Rugby League, nrl, Australia

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry