V’landys’ $80m offer sign TV deal is close
ARL Commission chair Peter V’landys has said he will have broadcast talks settled by the end of next week and has demonstrated his conviction to the clubs with an $80 million-plus rescue package for the rest of this season.
V’landys, who has been locked in talks with the Nine Network and Foxtel for several weeks, tabled an offer to a group of club chief executives via NRL boss Andrew Abdo late on Wednesday.
It is believed the clubs were not entirely convinced by the deal, which included a number of scenarios based on where the broadcasting negotiations could land.
The ARL Commission has an insurance policy in the form of a line of credit, Oakwell Advisory Group in England having come to the table with as much as $250m should the game need a helping hand.
V’landys would prefer not to rely on outside sources, although he and the commission may have their hand forced should the broadcasting deal continue to wreak havoc with the financial future of the game.
It is understood V’landys is close to striking a deal with Foxtel and while Nine is playing hard to get, they are bound by a contract that runs until the end of 2022.
The commission is open to extending that deal for as many as five years, although it would be on the condition that the networks play ball for this season.
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