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http://www.therfl.co.uk/home/news_item_top.php?id=300
Seems mention of a revenue increase, but no specific details. Other than that nothing much seems to have changed. Perhaps having Setanta in the market raised the bidding to a better value?
Seems mention of a revenue increase, but no specific details. Other than that nothing much seems to have changed. Perhaps having Setanta in the market raised the bidding to a better value?
Rugby League agrees new broadcast partnerships
The RFL can today confirm that agreements have been reached with both Sky Sports and BBC Sport which means increased, enhanced and extended broadcast coverage of international and domestic Rugby League.
The negotiations have generated an increase in revenue which creates the opportunity for investment in the Co-operative National Leagues and the community game whilst creating a platform to continue the sport's successful growth and future development.
A new three year agreement has been reached with Sky Sports covering 2009, 2010 and 2011 which will see them continue their exclusive live coverage of the engage Super League and the Co-operative National League - including each competition's play-offs and Grand Final.
Also included is Sky Sports' live coverage of the international game which will include the England team's matches on home soil.
An exciting feature of the agreement will mean that all grassroots Rugby League clubs will be able to secure a discount on Sky Sports subscription for their club houses and facilities. This will be available by 2009 at the latest.
The extended partnership continues Sky Sports' highly successful relationship with Rugby League which began in 1991.
Their excellent production values and innovation have greatly complemented the game as it has grown and at the start of 2006 they became the first broadcaster to show the sport in High Definition with Dolby 5.1 sound.
Meanwhile, the RFL has reached agreement with BBC Sport which means they will continue to broadcast the Carnegie Challenge Cup competition exclusively live throughout 2009, 2010 and 2011 - this represents a three year extension of their current agreement.
With the final's successful return to Wembley Stadium earlier this year, the Carnegie Challenge Cup has demonstrated its major role in Britain's sporting summer and this national broadcast coverage will ensure this status is maintained and developed.
In addition, the RFL has agreed that BBC Sport will broadcast live coverage of one England international match per season from 2009 onwards, plus an international featuring a touring side.
The BBC will also continue to broadcast highlights of the engage Super League play-offs and Grand Final, as well as extended highlights of other international matches during 2009, 2010 and 2011.
Commenting on the news, the RFL's Executive Chairman Richard Lewis said, "These broadcast agreements are tremendous news for Rugby League.
"The negotiations have resulted in a healthy revenue increase, thus giving us a great platform to continue our successful growth and future development.
"The contracts also ensure club stability and create the opportunity to invest in the Co-operative National Leagues and the community game. The outcome clearly demonstrates that Rugby League is a highly prized and valuable broadcast property which is followed by millions of viewers on a regular basis.
"We are highly delighted to be renewing what has been a long term and very successful partnership with Sky Sports. They have followed the Super League competition since its inception and our new agreement with them means that their innovative, excellent and exciting coverage of our sport will continue and develop.
"The new agreement means Sky Sports will show more matches than ever before and we will work in partnership with them to continue to grow the audience for our game."
Lewis also commented, "It is also tremendous news that we have extended and expanded what has been a highly successful multi-faceted partnership with BBC Sport.
"The Carnegie Challenge Cup competition is now set to continue as a highly successful and key element of the BBC's portfolio of major national events, the new live coverage of the England team is without doubt a tremendous development and their highlights packages of engage Super League and the international game mean these exciting events reach an even greater range of viewers.
