News Articles
30 Nov 2000
Cable deal briefing
From news,com,au
By: DEAN RITCHIE
30nov00
NRL clubs will today be briefed
on the Seven Network's
controversial pay television
offer but chief executives of
the country's top rugby league
clubs are expected to present
a united response.
Not surprisingly, the clubs are
all looking for money.
The conference, which will be
attended by 13 of the 14 NRL
club CEOs - the Bulldogs' Bob
Hagan is on holidays - will
outline how the Seven pay-TV
deal would be structured and
the possible financial benefits
for clubs.
Seven, which wants rugby
league as the flagship for its
pay-TV arm C7, this week
made a revised offer for
league's pay-TV rights as
negotiations continue for future
television coverage of the
code.
It is understood NRL clubs would be entitled to an even share of $15
million a season under the revised C7 deal.
Fox has put forward a lower offer while Optus has not yet made an
official approach for the rights.
NRL chief executive David Moffett and legal affairs manager David
Gallop are expected to unveil all details at today's meeting.
Moffett has remained tight-lipped on the negotiations.
"We will brief the CEOs. But, as I have said before, we won't be
saying anything further because these are complex and confidential
negotiations," he said.
NRL chief executives last night stressed all clubs, some
cash-strapped, were searching for money through the impending
pay-TV deal.
"All clubs need money, the game needs money," said Melbourne chief
executive Chris Johns.
"Anything more than we are currently getting would be really
welcome. All we know is that there is more than one pay-TV carrier
willing to bid and that's great.
"But as yet we don't know the financial details other than the
rumours and estimates in the newspaper.
"The CEO conference will be a good opportunity for it all to be
tabled."
Canberra chief executive Kevin Neil added: "We want what is in the
best interests of the sport.
"We don't know the full ramifications of the deal just yet."
Penrith chief executive Mark Levy said he was keen for details.
"We look forward to forming a partnership with whichever pay-TV
carrier wins the rights," Levy said.
"In America, although they have a far greater population, you will
find most sports have their salary caps paid for by pay-TV.
"We would be more than happy to get relief to pay players."
Sydney Roosters chief executive Bernie Gurr said he was delighted
pay-TV carriers were bidding against one another for rugby league
rights.
"It is good to see television companies in general seeing the value in
rugby league," Gurr said.
Asked about widespread criticism of the game, Gurr said: "The reality
is rugby league is still an enormously popular game and is part of the
culture of the Australian east coast."
North Queensland chief executive Rabieh Krayem said: "Everyone
would agree that the NRL will be looking for the best possible deal for
clubs.
"We'll know more after the chief executives' meeting."
Outgoing Northern Eagles chief executive Frank Stanton opted not
to comment about the Seven offer until "we are made aware just
what the deal is".
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