Okay, Oz union closing in a larger deal with Nine/Stan (God knows how), NZRU looking like having a major reduction in their deal.
"Informed sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told this masthead that negotiations have been progressing well since the start of the year and the potential new deal would see an increase on the current $30 million-a-year contract." 5yr deal.
"But while there is hope from both parties that an extension will be agreed upon, key players say confidential details within the contract are far from ratified, and so caution remains."
"Another key factor in RA’s future financial health is the massive predicted loss of broadcast revenue in New Zealand. Sources say Sky is offering NZ Rugby a multimillion dollar downgrade on their current deal from 2026 onwards.
"The Kiwis’ existing deal is worth around $NZ80 million ($72 million) a year, with inside figures suggesting that the new offer could be as low as $NZ50 million a year.
"Because Australia and New Zealand are in a joint venture, they share profit and loss. So any uplift in RA’s deal could be offset by the loss across the Tasman, should both remain committed to Super Rugby.
"The lingering uncertainty over the broadcast deal, and the future of Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt, has led to players exploring options elsewhere."
Doesn`t augur well for our Sky deal in NZ but may make it easier to attract union players.
Nine`s persistent with Oz union hopefully means they are determined to make Stan work and this will be reflected in their dealings with the NRL.
