Yep and they are paying 20% extra in the new deal, which over 7 years is little more than a rise with inflation.
They also have way way more ads which is why the deal is more to begin but the % they are paying dropped with the changes.
I am not against SOO being sold but this is how it needs to play out to get the best result
NRL needs to handle production, That way commentators can be across different Networks
Rep and Finals series - Has to be a FTA network. Womens in this only on whichever network gets it.
Thurs night - FTA only
Friday - Pay TV and FTA can bid. 1 network gets every game on that day. NRLW included
Sat and Sunday as above
Monday - FTA only
That makes it profitable for say ch10 to get into the sport and ensure it is profitable
The one to peruse would be thus
1. FTA Nine 2 games Fri 8pm Sun 4pm
PAY TV 2 games (only) Stan shows Fri 6pm and Sun 2pm
Grand Final and SOS 3
Package 1 cost $130 per year
2. FTA Ten 2 games 6pm fri (just after slight shorten news)and Sun 2Pm for lead up to news.
Pay Tv 2 games (only) Paramount Plus show Fri 8pm game and Sunday 4pm game.
SOS games 1 and 2.
Package cost $115 per year.
3. Fox/KAyo Paytv show all 8/9 games.
Allowed to have a Monday night game. This allows 2 days where they on have content, up from one day (Sat)
Currently pay around $255m per year increase up to $300m per year.
Special arrangement for PAY TV game Thursday.
Only say Amazon/Netflix/Disney or any outside streamer can have joint showing of TNF with Fox/Kayo.
This outside streamer can can TNF AND a FTA game from package 1 AND 2. to show the payed content.
This could be marked as 3 games (PAY streamed on either Disney, Amazon,or Netflix for say $55 m per year.
So total Australian media equals $600m per year neat, or with out Special arrangements $545m per year.
Attacked this way where you the NRL create the packages and sell. Of course it will be the accounts that have a big say BUT i feel the packages stand up to scrutiny. The special arrangement may be, but for $55 m per year with the NRL providing the 'coverage' it will be a ratings winner for them.
Again create these packages and take them to the media and gauge their intent to buy.