In a jaw-dropping move that has stunned the rugby league world, the Penrith Panthers have reportedly been sold to American tech billionaire Elon Musk for a staggering $1.2 billion AUD.
The surprise takeover was announced early Monday morning, with Musk stating via X (formerly Twitter), “Time to bring rugby league to Mars. Let’s go, Panthers.
Club officials confirmed the deal in a brief statement, saying:
“This historic sale marks a new chapter for the Penrith Panthers. We look forward to pioneering a new era in the NRL – and possibly beyond Earth.”
Sources close to the deal claim Musk plans to introduce advanced AI training systems, electric team buses, and even a prototype “zero-gravity training dome” to revolutionize how rugby league is played.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo declined to comment but was seen furiously googling “How to relocate a club to space.”
Fans have reacted with a mix of disbelief and cautious excitement. Long-time supporter Mick from Mt Druitt said, “I just hope they don’t change the team name to the Space Panthers or something stupid.”
More updates to come as Elon Musk reportedly prepares a press conference… from a Tesla orbiting Earth.
