The future of clubs like Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves, Hull FC, St Helens and the rest of Super League is at an interesting tipping point with IMG and TV deals set to play a key role.
IMG are set to re-imagine the sport from top to bottom ending the use of traditional promotion and relegation with a move towards grading.
But the financial side of things is in the hands of the TV deal with contracts with Sky Sports, Channel 4 and Viaplay set to expire at the end of the year.
Sky are of course interested in keeping the sport but DAZN are a reported alternative.
It has been a major talking point and was addressed earlier this year by RL Commercial’s Rhodri Jones.
“Next two to three weeks I would say and then after that we can then develop the calendar four to six weeks hopefully,” he said on BBC Five Live.
“We’ve got multiple broadcasters interested.”
Asked if there will be an increase in broadcast revenue, Jones said: “We’ll have to see where we land.”
“I think on the Broadcast deal, we’ve been so reliant on one number coming from one broadcaster.
“We’re one of very few sports competitions that don’t stream every game.
“I think the mix of the broadcast platform for us going forward is going to look different. So maybe less emphasis on that one number that we get from the main broadcaster and maybe the culmination of the total means that we come out in a better position.”
In a huge surprise twist however, reports from the Daily Mail today have claimed that officials at the RFL are disappointed with the offer from Sky, a £25 million per year contract and TNT Sport have emerged as a potential contender.
Previously known as BT Sport, the newly named TNT Sports are the home of the Champions League in football as well as having rights to Premier League football.
According to the Daily Mail, TNT are now “a big threat” to Sky’s coverage of the sport.
A decision is expected at the end of the month.
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