The Roar goes silent, staff unpaid, amid ownership dispute
Sydney Morning Herald
by Calum JaspanFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Roar, a once-popular Australian sports news website, has fallen silent after its staff went unpaid for over two months, accumulating more than $100,000 in owed wages and superannuation. This shutdown comes amid an ongoing ownership dispute between Fan Media, led by Miro Mikrut, and Daniel Corsello, a former owner of the site. The Roar, which once attracted 2 million monthly visitors and thrived on fan discussions about sports like NRL and AFL, has been embroiled in legal battles since being acquired by PlayUp, a gambling technology company, in 2021.
The dispute stems from complex financial arrangements involving PlayUp and Fan Media. An independent report revealed that PlayUp owes Fan Media $600,000 through a loan agreement, with no clear path to repayment. This financial uncertainty has left The Roar unable to operate, as both parties involved in the ownership conflict struggle to reach a resolution.
In an effort to save the platform, media figures like Dylan Howard expressed interest in acquiring The Roar, briefly renewing hope among staff and fans. However, talks collapsed, leaving The Roar’s future uncertain and its employees unpaid. Tony Harper, The Roar’s editor, highlighted the emotional toll on staff and readers, emphasizing the site’s role as a beloved sports community hub.
The situation underscores the challenges faced by digital media outlets in Australia, particularly those caught in legal disputes and financial instability. As the ownership battle continues in court, the silence of The Roar not only affects its employees but also deprives millions of sports fans of a platform they relied on for news and discussion.
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/20/2026