They might have the right to stream all 8 games on Kayo until 2027, but it won't prevent Ch9, or any other FTA network, from streaming the games they have access to from 2023 onwards on a catch-up service like 9Now.
The fact that Foxtel can no longer on sell the streaming rights to their mates at Telstra means people who have a contract with that telco can no longer get all 8 games for free on their phone. They'll need to sign up to Kayo/Foxtel or watch whichever games are available on Ch9/9Now. That's a win for the FTA partner as it'll make their service the only alternative to Telstra customers who don't want Kayo/Foxtel.
NRL blocks Telstra from streaming matches in rights stand-off
NRL PREMIERSHIP
June 3, 2020 7:02am
Source: FOX SPORTS
Source: AAP
As the NRL continues to work towards a broadcast extension with Channel Nine, it’s doing everything it can to protect streaming rights to ensure the deal doesn’t drop in value.
With a five-year extension with Nine in mind, the NRL is intending on locking Telstra out from streaming rugby league from 2023, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.
Sources told the Herald that removing Telstra’s ability to stream games will increase the value of future free-to-air broadcast deals.
Telstra is reportedly unsettled by the decision but the NRL is sticking by it.
Foxtel currently sells streaming rights to Telstra but under the blockbuster rights deal struck last week it’s prohibited from onselling in the 2023-2027 cycle.
The move is significant as Telstra customers can currently access games for free on their phones, meaning Fox and Nine would solely share those rights in a restructured deal.
If Nine were to agree to an extension until 2027, all games would be available through the television channel and 9Now streaming app.
Telstra released a statement on Monday confirming it would not hold the mobile digital rights beyond 2022.
“We are... disappointed to learn the NRL through their agreement with Foxtel has decided not to make those digital rights on mobile available beyond 2022,” it said.
“We have not been a party to those discussions and will obviously need to engage with the NRL to understand what the implications are for our partnership in the long term.”
Telstra secured the digital rights and naming rights in 2015. The NRL is reportedly keen on extending the naming rights deal.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...r/news-story/244d61f13482e101ce46eb30142733e7