TNT TV Rights : Tue Jul 18, 2023 6:23 pm  

Well, it's reported that SKY are sticking to their measly £25m for the right to broadcast SL and that TNT, formerly BT Sports, are also thinking of tabling a bid, which fits in well with TNT having the broadcast rights for Premiership Rugby Union. They would then become the sole Broadcaster for both codes of Rugby.

It doesn't take a genius to then realise that in future years, when both codes are up for renewal, that TNT may stipulate that they want a unified code of Rugby for which they are willing to pay a substantial increase to the top clubs in both codes. I'm quite sure the clubs' self-interest would kick in and the 2 codes will unify. I don't think they will have any other option. SL is nothing without the SKY money or a rich owner, and Union is in a far worse financial situation with most clubs millions of pounds in debt and 3 of their clubs going bust last year.

This may even be TNTs intention for bidding for the SL rights. And I'm sure IMG would definitely be in favour of it. Will be interesting to see how this all pans out.

Re: TNT TV Rights : Tue Jul 18, 2023 6:30 pm  

WYSIWYG2 wrote:

Well, it's reported that SKY are sticking to their measly £25m for the right to broadcast SL and that TNT, formerly BT Sports, are also thinking of tabling a bid, which fits in well with TNT having the broadcast rights for Premiership Rugby Union. They would then become the sole Broadcaster for both codes of Rugby.

It doesn't take a genius to then realise that in future years, when both codes are up for renewal, that TNT may stipulate that they want a unified code of Rugby for which they are willing to pay a substantial increase to the top clubs in both codes. I'm quite sure the clubs' self-interest would kick in and the 2 codes will unify. I don't think they will have any other option. SL is nothing without the SKY money or a rich owner, and Union is in a far worse financial situation with most clubs millions of pounds in debt and 3 of their clubs going bust last year.

This may even be TNTs intention for bidding for the SL rights. And I'm sure IMG would definitely be in favour of it. Will be interesting to see how this all pans out.

Graham TNTs offer looks dynamite , compared to Sky .

Re: TNT TV Rights : Tue Jul 18, 2023 7:02 pm  

Evening, Wys. We know that this is one of your pet drum-bangs but it will not happen. Both codes and, more importantly, their fans will simply not entertain it. Should it be railroaded through, there will be schisms and both codes will continue to be played (albeit initially unfunded) whilst Rugby a Quatorze IMPLODES.

Yes, we already know the two or three Judas clubs that would sign up. Sausage them!!

Re: TNT TV Rights : Tue Jul 18, 2023 9:52 pm  

I don't want it to happen B&B but money talks and if TNT hold the purse strings for broadcasting rights to both codes it's common business sense that they would want a hybrid game in the future that would create a National game and would expand TNTs revenue pool. I think this is the reason they are rumoured to have put an offer on the table. It won't happen overnight but it could happen within IMGs 12 year contract and IMG would jump at it if it meant they were going to make a lot of money out of it. Like I said, it will be interesting to see what happens if TNT do get the rights. Also, don't forget we have Ralph Rimmer now in Union (thank goodness) Shaun Edwards, Andy Farrell, Kevin Sinfield, Lee Radford, Martin Gleeson and 1 or 2 others. I enjoy watching both codes and Union, with the influence of the League coaches is getting faster and defences are improving. A few tweaks and you have a hybrid unified game again.