IT’S news that has been telegraphed – no pun intended – for more than a week but now it’s confirmed: the ARLC has a new $5.3 billion TV deal with Nine, FoxTel and Sky NZ.
The announcement means the NRL and NRLW is staying with its current broadcasters for the next seven years with minimal changes to scheduling and availability but a significant financial windfall for the sport.
The NRL said one key changes was that it now has complete control of scheduling. In the past telecasters had the power to move matches for commercial reasons.
ARLC chairman Peter V’landys said in a statement: “Today marks a defining moment for rugby league. The Commission has worked hard in the last five years to make the game more entertaining for our fans, effectively doubling our audience. Our players and clubs that made this possible will now be justifiably rewarded.
“This agreement is the largest commercial deal ever secured by an Australian sport, but its significance goes well beyond the financial outcome. It returns the draw back to the NRL and will ensure fair and equitable scheduling for all clubs. It also gives us greater flexibility to shape the future of the game, and ensures more fans can access rugby league than ever before.
“We entered these negotiations with a clear objective — secure long-term growth while retaining control of the things that matter most. We have achieved that outcome.”
FoxTel is now owned by international conglomerate DAZN and at a media conference, V’landys said that company had undertaken to help promote the sport to its more than four million subscribers.
The cash increase per year was placed by the ARLC at 90 percent.
Nine retains live exclusivity over men’s and women’s Origin and the men’s grand final.
The League also mentioned “an innovative revenue sharing and marketing agreement on international rights with the Foxtel Group” – but it was unclear what this means for the Watch NRL service.
Also earmarked in the media release were “a commitment from media partners to positively market and grow the game” and “more stringent quality assurance mechanisms in relation to conflicts of interest”.
That last point references the use of pundits who are also club officials or player agents.
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