Sheffield Speedway have officially confirmed they will line up in the Premiership again in 2026.
The Tigers’ future has been the subject of uncertainty since the club was placed on the market towards the end of September, leading to an anxious period for supporters and those connected with the Owlerton outfit.
However, it has now been confirmed that Sheffield will take their place in British Speedway’s top-flight next season, marking a sixth consecutive year at Premiership level.
Although a number of enquiries were received following the decision to explore a sale, the Bates family have opted to remain as owners, with new investors set to join the club early in the new year.
Promoter Damien Bates admitted the past few months have been challenging, but said clarity has now been achieved. Speaking to the Sheffield Speedway website, he said: “It’s not been an easy few months for anyone and we do sympathise with the supporters and how worried they must’ve been.
“Things have been so up and down, literally changing on a week-by-week basis, and we didn’t want to say anything until we knew which way things were going.”
Bates explained that while interest was strong, no firm offers materialised. He added via the Sheffield Speedway website: “From the moment we announced we were putting the club up for sale, we had a lot of interest – but no actual firm offers as such.
“Some people seemed more genuinely interested than others, but at the same time, we wouldn’t just hand Sheffield over to anybody.”
The Tigers promoter said one particular conversation proved decisive. “There was one ‘phone call which stood out more than all the others and that’s the one we’ve followed up,” Bates revealed. “It’s one that has convinced us we’re bringing the right people into the club.”
While final details are still being completed, Bates confirmed that both he and his family will stay on as owners, with Peter Mole also retaining a shareholding despite stepping down as co-promoter as planned.
According to the Sheffield Speedway website, Bates said the incoming investors will focus on the commercial and marketing side of the club, adding: “With them and one or two other people stepping up their involvement behind the scenes, we feel we’re back in a really strong position as a club going into 2026.”
He concluded by describing the situation as a fresh start, with further announcements to follow in the new year, and confirmed that talks with riders have already resumed ahead of the 2026 campaign.
Feature Image courtesy of British Speedway
