LATEST NRL TV RIGHTS UPDATE
• Foxtel has proposed a multibillion-dollar seven-year deal that would see it acquire the NRL rights before splitting free-to-air coverage across multiple broadcasters.
• Foxtel has tabled a 7-year, $4 billion+ proposal for the NRL’s next broadcast deal, running through to 2034.
• Under the proposal, Foxtel/Kayo would purchase the rights in full before sublicensing free-to-air games to Seven and Network 10.
• Proposed split:
Seven: Sunday games, Monday games and State of Origin.
Network 10: Thursday and Friday night matches.
Foxtel/Kayo: Streaming rights plus exclusive Saturday matches. (As is now)
• The deal would achieve Peter V’landys’ long-stated goal of securing a $4 billion rights agreement.
• Sources claim Foxtel’s offer is worth more than Nine’s previous bid, which was reportedly valued between $550m-$600m per year over five years.
• Nine had previously explored buying all NRL rights itself to boost Stan and potentially remove Foxtel from the game for the first time in 30 years.
• Foxtel believes it can structure the deal within Australia’s anti-siphoning laws by sublicensing marquee content to free-to-air broadcasters.
• Some legal experts have questioned whether such an arrangement aligns with the intent of anti-siphoning legislation.
• Amazon remains in the race after previously bidding for two exclusive matches per round for Prime Video, though exclusivity demands reportedly stalled talks with Foxtel.
• The NRL views a split-broadcast model as a way to increase reach and exposure, particularly as it pushes into expansion markets like Perth.
• Concerns remain that having matches spread across multiple broadcasters could create confusion for fans.
• Seven’s AFL commitments limit where NRL content can be scheduled, which is why Sunday, Monday and Origin are viewed as the most likely allocation.
• The NRL had hoped to finalise a new broadcast deal before CEO Andrew Abdo departs for Tennis Australia on July 1.
(AFR)
Full link: https://t.co/TKz5XK3qbu
@Woody_bwfc@rlexpanda@zeppled69 Tbf Wilkin said "may as well tax Giants".
The chronic cronyism Wood typifies is frightening. The sport hasn't just stood still, it's gone backwards. The lack of vision is ridiculous. Too much self interest and not enough putting the sport first.
Some 40 minutes that. Marsden stealing the show.
Farimond: "Hold my Lance Todd".
What a finish, probably the only thing he could have done to ground the ball in goal. Unreal.
New Player Signing 🚨
We are delighted to confirm the signing of experienced Super League centre Toby
King on a two-year contract from 2027.
The 29-year-old joins the club from Warrington Wolves and becomes a significant addition to
the squad as we continue to push towards the Super League.
#wearelondon #relentlesspursuit
@CamDonDuncan As it is we are over a century down the line of bitter rivalries, too siloed in our thinking and probably too small as a sport for dramatic change to land. Would anybody really get behind a Calderdale or Cumbria franchise team alongside existing clubs?
@CamDonDuncan If we were starting again in the 1800s, we might have a different set up with amateur clubs, semi - pro clubs and elite level city/borough representative sides then the national team. With pathways through to each level, maybe loosely similar to NZ Rugby Union.
@yicker@JMcAllisterRL I said the same at the time, thought we'd lose both for 6-8 games and would've had no complaints. 7 games split between two doesn't match the severity of the incident for me.
No complaints with a 7 game ban for the tackle on Leyland, it was bad. Very bad and only got worse with each replay. That said, I'm not sure they got the right bloke here I'd have expected Nsemba to banned either with or instead of Walters.
Following the Betfred Challenge Cup Final, the Match Review Panel has charged Harry Smith with a Grade B Head Contact resulting in a one match ban.
Sam Walters has received a seven match suspension following a Grade F Dangerous Throw/Lift charge.
#WWRL#ChallengeCup
The RFL today pays tribute to John Kear, who died suddenly on Sunday afternoon returning north from Wembley, having been part of the BBC’s commentary team for the Challenge Cup Finals
Our thoughts and condolences are with John’s wife Dawn, his family and friends