What’s the Buzz: Karl Stefanovic steps in to save Nine Network’s NRL TV deal

With Nine Network facing stiff opposition from rival stations to retain the TV rights to rugby league, one of the stable’s stars is stepping up.

Karl Stefanovic. Picture: Glenn Hampson

TV host Karl Stefanovic wants to step in to help his bosses at the Nine Network retain the NRL television rights.

The Today Show presenter has offered to use his close friendship with independent commission chairman Peter V’landys to assist chief executive Mike Sneesby to get a $750 million deal over the line.

Nine is facing stiff opposition from rival networks Channel 7 and 10 to retain the rights.

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Stefanovic is often a guest of V’landys at Sydney’s big race meetings alongside politicians, media executives and other TV celebrities demolishing the oysters, jumbo king prawns and fine wines.

He has told network colleagues he is prepared to step in to help Sneesby.

Today Show host Karl Stefanovic has offered to help out in Nine’s negotiations with the NRL. Picture: Glenn Hampson

The Today Show star might fancy himself in this type of commercial role but he obviously has no idea what V’landys is like at the negotiating table in a heavyweight business meeting.

The delightful host you get at Randwick on Everest Day in the Racing NSW corporate suite suddenly becomes the most brutal negotiator. Mateship means nothing in a boardroom.

There is also a feeling around the game that Nine has lost its love for rugby league.

ARLC chairman Peter V’landys is a tough negotiator. Picture: Jonathan Ng

That their coverage has become old and stale. That the game hasn’t really been a priority since footy tragic CEO David Gyngell quit the network in 2016.

The NRL earlier this year complained to the Nine Network during the Australian Open tennis coverage about the amount of promotion rugby union on Stan sport was getting.

At the same time there was nothing to promote the upcoming NRL season.

This happened six months after their former chief executive Hugh Marks slammed the NRL and the state of the game … then negotiated a cheaper TV deal for the remaining two years of the network’s contract.

Originally published as What’s the Buzz: Karl Stefanovic steps in to save Nine Network’s NRL TV deal