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https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...JACXExfm7GDe_l4xUMu9IBXV_f0HCRykW-Qjw7XA2UmGc
ARL Commission chairman Peter Beattie has ramped-up plans to expand the NRL to 17 teams and include a second Brisbane team to challenge the mighty Broncos.
In a huge development for the code, Blindside can reveal Beattie has formally put expansion back on the agenda with the ARL Commission and the NRL’s most powerful decision-makers.
The ARLC chairman has approached broadcasters Channel 9 and Fox Sports to discuss adding a 17th team for the commencement of the NRL’s next TV rights deal in 2023.
Under Beattie’s plan, the new licence would go to a consortium in Brisbane ahead of Perth.
It is the most decisive strategic move yet by Beattie, who last year warned the code had to “expand or die” as the NRL comes under mounting pressure to reward Queensland fans by adding a fourth team in the Sunshine State.
Even Broncos chief executive Paul White recently conceded that Brisbane was ready for a second NRL licence.
At the end of the season, NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg will table a comprehensive report to the ARL Commission outlining his vision for the code, its challenges and its future footprint.
Now Beattie is on the front foot with his proactive and commendable strategy to have a southeast Queensland rival to the Broncos in the NRL in 2023.
For the past five years, the NRL has flirted with the notion of expansion without formally committing to granting new licences.
In recent times, the Brisbane Bombers, Central Queensland and the western corridor Ipswich bid teams have spent millions collectively in their desire to clinch an NRL licence.
In March, The Courier-Mail revealed Redcliffe was the frontrunner to clinch the NRL’s next licence, with Beattie determined for the code not to stagnate during his term as ARLC chairman.
Could the Brisbane Bombers finally enter the NRL? Picture by Liam Kidston.
“I am a strong supporter of expansion because I think the game has to expand,” Beattie recently told Blindside.
“Clearly Queensland needs another team, that is obvious.
“The challenge is how to manage that.
“The bottom line is Fox Sports and Nine aren’t running a charity, they have to work out how does extra teams bring in revenue and is it good for the broadcasters?
“None of this is easy. We don’t have a solution yet, but Todd (Greenberg) is working on one.”
Sydney-based clubs in particular are likely to oppose any moves for a 17th team. The NRL gives each club a $13 million grant annually and a second Brisbane team would mean a further outlay of funds from the governing body from its TV rights coffers.
ARL Commission chairman Peter Beattie has ramped-up plans to expand the NRL to 17 teams and include a second Brisbane team to challenge the mighty Broncos.
In a huge development for the code, Blindside can reveal Beattie has formally put expansion back on the agenda with the ARL Commission and the NRL’s most powerful decision-makers.
The ARLC chairman has approached broadcasters Channel 9 and Fox Sports to discuss adding a 17th team for the commencement of the NRL’s next TV rights deal in 2023.
Under Beattie’s plan, the new licence would go to a consortium in Brisbane ahead of Perth.
It is the most decisive strategic move yet by Beattie, who last year warned the code had to “expand or die” as the NRL comes under mounting pressure to reward Queensland fans by adding a fourth team in the Sunshine State.
Even Broncos chief executive Paul White recently conceded that Brisbane was ready for a second NRL licence.
At the end of the season, NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg will table a comprehensive report to the ARL Commission outlining his vision for the code, its challenges and its future footprint.
Now Beattie is on the front foot with his proactive and commendable strategy to have a southeast Queensland rival to the Broncos in the NRL in 2023.
For the past five years, the NRL has flirted with the notion of expansion without formally committing to granting new licences.
In recent times, the Brisbane Bombers, Central Queensland and the western corridor Ipswich bid teams have spent millions collectively in their desire to clinch an NRL licence.
In March, The Courier-Mail revealed Redcliffe was the frontrunner to clinch the NRL’s next licence, with Beattie determined for the code not to stagnate during his term as ARLC chairman.
Could the Brisbane Bombers finally enter the NRL? Picture by Liam Kidston.
“I am a strong supporter of expansion because I think the game has to expand,” Beattie recently told Blindside.
“Clearly Queensland needs another team, that is obvious.
“The challenge is how to manage that.
“The bottom line is Fox Sports and Nine aren’t running a charity, they have to work out how does extra teams bring in revenue and is it good for the broadcasters?
“None of this is easy. We don’t have a solution yet, but Todd (Greenberg) is working on one.”
Sydney-based clubs in particular are likely to oppose any moves for a 17th team. The NRL gives each club a $13 million grant annually and a second Brisbane team would mean a further outlay of funds from the governing body from its TV rights coffers.
