- UK rugby union network could launch within two years
- BT Sport’s UK£40m a year broadcast deal expires at the end of 2020/21 season
- CVC Capital could front investment for channel launch to help boost revenues
Premiership Rugby, English rugby union’s top flight, is eyeing a dedicated linear network as part of its next UK broadcast rights deal in 2021, according to Sale Sharks owner Simon Orange.
The competition’s 13 club shareholders are reportedly discussing the proposition designed to bolster the Premiership’s broadcast revenues.
Reports last month suggested that BT Sport, the pay-TV broadcaster which holds Premiership rights in the UK until the end of the 2020/21 season, had entered into negotiations regarding an extension to its existing six-year, UK£40 million (US$52.1 million) per season contract.
According to Orange, plans for a dedicated Premiership rugby channel have been discussed, and also cited Sky Sports – which already has dedicated channels for Formula One, golf and cricket – as well as Amazon Prime Video as potential suitors.
Orange told the Daily Mail: “A dedicated rugby channel has been considered and, if that went through, there would be more rugby content, which would be great for the sport and the fans.
“Hopefully between Sky, BT, Amazon and OTT platforms, we should be able to start increasing our income.”
Orange also said that a new channel could also allow for the Premiership to adopt more non-traditional kick-off times, including Saturday night fixtures.
“Changing kick-off times is possible,” he added. “It’s been mentioned and one or two of the TV companies are thinking about it.”
Tony Rowe, chief executive of Exeter Chiefs, confirmed that the Premiership could launch its own channel “within a couple of years”, adding that private equity firm CVC Capital, which recently closed its Premiership investment, would be supportive of the project.
“Most of us thought that’s what the eventual aim of the CVC plan would be,” Rowe said. “Like most sports, most of our revenue is derived from TV revenues. If it brings more money into the sport, then it’s a good idea. The sport doesn’t have enough money coming into it.”
According to the Mail, BT Sport is also planning to provide Premiership club season ticket holders shut out from games with exclusive access to all remaining 2019/20 Premiership fixtures, in addition to its televised matches.
The pay-TV broadcaster has already paid its final UK£33 million (US$42.9 million) rights instalment for the current campaign and is in the process of mapping out its Premiership coverage ahead of the league’s restart on the 15th August.
Premiership Rugby, English rugby union’s top flight, is eyeing a dedicated linear network as part of its next UK broadcast rights deal in 2021, according to Sale Sharks owner Simon Orange.
The competition’s 13 club shareholders are reportedly discussing the proposition designed to bolster the Premiership’s broadcast revenues.
Reports last month suggested that BT Sport, the pay-TV broadcaster which holds Premiership rights in the UK until the end of the 2020/21 season, had entered into negotiations regarding an extension to its existing six-year, UK£40 million (US$52.1 million) per season contract.
According to Orange, plans for a dedicated Premiership rugby channel have been discussed, and also cited Sky Sports – which already has dedicated channels for Formula One, golf and cricket – as well as Amazon Prime Video as potential suitors.
Orange told the Daily Mail: “A dedicated rugby channel has been considered and, if that went through, there would be more rugby content, which would be great for the sport and the fans.
“Hopefully between Sky, BT, Amazon and OTT platforms, we should be able to start increasing our income.”
Orange also said that a new channel could also allow for the Premiership to adopt more non-traditional kick-off times, including Saturday night fixtures.
“Changing kick-off times is possible,” he added. “It’s been mentioned and one or two of the TV companies are thinking about it.”
Tony Rowe, chief executive of Exeter Chiefs, confirmed that the Premiership could launch its own channel “within a couple of years”, adding that private equity firm CVC Capital, which recently closed its Premiership investment, would be supportive of the project.
“Most of us thought that’s what the eventual aim of the CVC plan would be,” Rowe said. “Like most sports, most of our revenue is derived from TV revenues. If it brings more money into the sport, then it’s a good idea. The sport doesn’t have enough money coming into it.”
According to the Mail, BT Sport is also planning to provide Premiership club season ticket holders shut out from games with exclusive access to all remaining 2019/20 Premiership fixtures, in addition to its televised matches.
The pay-TV broadcaster has already paid its final UK£33 million (US$42.9 million) rights instalment for the current campaign and is in the process of mapping out its Premiership coverage ahead of the league’s restart on the 15th August.
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