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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