A-League’s new TV deal to secure competition’s marquee player fund

AN extra $3 million has been committed to the A-League marquee fund next season after Fox Sports unveiled a record TV deal.

AN extra $3 million has been committed to the A-League marquee fund next season after Fox Sports unveiled a record TV deal.

The unrivalled commitment of Fox Sports, whose funds account for 40 per cent of Football Federation Australia’s revenues, to the A-League was underlined with a $327 million commitment that could grow to $346 million with bonuses.

The length of the deal blindsided A-League club owners, who were only told of the six-year deal at the 11th hour, working under the assumption it was going to be a four-year term.

Fox will commit $51 million next season, rising to $56 million per annum thereafter with the potential to earn an extra $7.5 million per year for the last two years if certain TV ratings triggers are met.

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Tim Cahill has added plenty of headlines to the A-League. Picture: Brett Costello

FFA, with the help of an advisory group, struck the deal which was announced in Sydney on Tuesday and chief executive David Gallop said marquee signings and producing local stars would be key.

“Stars work in sport and we’ll work with our clubs to chase marquee players,’’ Gallop said.

“We’ve had great success my making an investment into a few fund this season. Exhibit A is (Tim Cahill) and we’re adding $2 million dollars to the fund.

“Growing homegrown talent and the imports add an enormous amount too.’’

Fox Sports chief executive Patrick Delany said it was a great chance for the A-League to fill the void left by the Premier League’s move to Optus.

“This is the A-League’s time to shine. The EPL’s gone invisible, it almost doesn’t exist anymore, no one can see it. My friends don’t talk about it anymore,’’ Delany said.

“Instead they go to a real game that’s physical, in Sydney, Melbourne or around the country.’’

The deal, which could average out to $57.67 million a year, could rise to $70 million once a Free-to-Air deal is struck. However Fox Sports and FFA have agreed a “safety net” in case a deal falls through to simulcast Saturday night games by buying it back for $4 million.

Negotiations between A-League clubs and the FFA will commence in January, with owners eager to negotiate their dividend soon so they can plan for next season.

The 10 owners, who formed the Australian Professional Football Clubs’ Association (APFCA) early this year, released a statement voicing their displeasure at negotiations.

“Regrettably the APFCA have not been directly involved in the negotiations and therefore are not in a position to comment on the outcomes,’’ the statement said.

“The focus of the APFCA remains on the viability of the clubs and the league and therefore on seeking appropriate distribution of the A-League revenues.

“APFCA has sought immediate assurances from the FFA regarding the future distributions and associated financial models required to ensure the sustainable financial health of the League and its clubs.”