Channel 10 and Optus the only networks showing interest in Rugby Australia’s TV rights
Having put the rugby’s broadcast rights on the open market, Rugby Australia has just two takers as it seeks to finalise a big-money deal within weeks.
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Nearly two weeks after putting their broadcast rights to the open market, Rugby Australia only has two networks showing interest: 10 and Optus.
Existing broadcast partner Fox Sports has not signed the non-disclosure agreement sent out by RA on February 14, which means Optus has no digital rival for rugby’s rights thus far.
Fox Sports insiders have informed The Daily Telegraph they will not make a bid for rugby, having walked away from negotiations last month after a breakdown in relations with RA boss Raelene Castle.
However, RA sources believe Fox is still bluffing, and may come in with a late bid.
To do so, they would need to sign the non-disclosure agreement.
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RA hopes to finalise its 2021-25 broadcast deal by mid-March, so the clock is ticking.
Fox Sports made an offer of $200 million for the rights in November, but that was rejected by RA, and Castle said they would head to the open market.
After Fox then tried to buy rights to the Shute Shield and Castle blocked it to obtain a “whole of game package” at the start of this month, the two parties have not spoken.
Optus and 10 have both signed the NDAs, although 10 is only interested in Wallabies Test matches and potentially one Super Rugby match live on Saturdays.
Optus would take the remainder of the package: all Wallabies Tests, Super Rugby games, women’s rugby, Sevens and club rugby.
How much they’re willing to pay will determine whether Castle’s bold stare-down of 25-year partners Fox Sports is a masterstroke or calamitous blunder.
RA wants to have the broadcast deal finalised by their next annual general meeting on March 29, at which three new board directors will be sworn in.
On Monday, it was announced that director Paul McLean has taken over as interim RA chairman in place of Cameron Clyne with immediate effect.
The oft-criticised Clyne is stepping down from his duties at the March 29 AGM anyway, but RA has seemingly realised that having him remain as chair and overseeing crucial issues including the broadcast negotiation is obtuse.
McLean, who has served on the board for five years, could remain as chair beyond the AGM, mentoring a successor from one of the three new directors over a prescribed period of time.
“The board has collectively made the decision to make this change, with the full support of Cameron, to enable us to provide support and a comfortable transition for the new chair following the AGM,” the 31-Test former Wallaby McLean said.
“As the most senior director remaining on the board beyond the AGM, I have accepted the chairmanship during this transitional period.”
Originally published as Channel 10 and Optus the only networks showing interest in Rugby Australia’s TV rights