Why expansion is the trump card as NRL chases broadcast money
Adrian Proszenko Fairfax
Expansion is shaping as a potential trump card for the NRL as it seeks to add value to the remaining product left to sell off to broadcasters.
Global Media and Sports boss Colin Smith, who worked for the NRL on the last TV deal and has also advised the AFL and ARU in previous negotiations, believes the NRL will be "lucky" to get within $1 billion of the Australian rules deal unless expansion occurs.
Existing clubs are concerned the NRL has sold itself short after signing a $925 million deal with Nine, which alienated long-term partners Foxtel, News Corp and Telstra. The AFL has been the biggest beneficiary of the scorned media partners, quickly inking a $2.5 billion deal of its own over six years. Several clubs are holding off on signing new participation agreements.
"We have always held a strong view that a Central Coast team with the backing of the Bears brand and support base will give significant incremental value to the game," Perry said.
"We will be seeking the opportunity to reinforce this with the NRL executives and commission over the coming weeks with supporting and relevant research data to highlight the Bears being a solution to enhance the game."
"There is a lot in it for the broadcasters in expanding the game. When you look at Queensland you've got south-east Queensland, the Titans and then you jump all the way up to Townsville, with this enormous gap in the middle that is rugby league land.
"If something is not done about it the area will be lost to one of the other sports, possibly the AFL now they have so much money. They have already said they would look at expanding into [league heartlands]."
Read more:
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...cast-money-20150822-gj5c4m.html#ixzz3jYPzn13a
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