NRL to reveal huge $2 billion TV deal as Channel Nine agreement looms, Seven walks

Channel 7 was prepared to stump up $30 million to cover State of Origin each year - but instead walked away with nothing from the new NRL broadcast deal.

Suncorp Stadium. Picture: AAP Image/Dave Hunt

The NRL is poised to announce an historic new five-year broadcast deal with Channel 9 which could net rugby league a staggering $600m.

News Corp can also reveal Channel 7 has walked away from broadcast negotiations.

With Fox Sports having already committed to a deal until the end of 2027, it now appears the NRL’s new broadcast deal could be worth up to $2 billion — a triumph for ARLC chairman Peter V’landys.

Catch all the ICC T20 World Cup action live & exclusive to Fox Cricket, available on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >

There is just one final barrier between Nine and the NRL — the cost.

It is understood Nine has tabled a deal worth between $105m and $110m a year.

The NRL — seeking the best deal possible — may push Nine to dig deeper and outlay $120m a year for rugby league.

It appears certain the difference in money will be settled and a new deal could be struck and announced by the end of this month.

ARLC boss Peter V'landys. Picture: Richard Dobson

The current contract with Nine expires at the end of next season, meaning the new free-to-air deal would run until the end of 2027.

NRL executives spoke about the Nine deal at a high-powered meeting with clubs last week.

Seven was a genuine player in the discussions but is also tied to a rich deal with the AFL until the end of 2025.

News Corp has been told Seven wanted to pay around $30m to cover State of Origin each season. That offer has essentially been withdrawn.

Seven had also sought to cover the Sunday 4pm match each week and had spoken about broadcasting another game each round in a share deal with Fox Sports.

Aware their station had lost its cricket rights and their rugby union ratings were, at best, modest, Nine became anxious at Seven’s interest.

A fear of losing the NRL has forced Nine to beef up their offer — a move which will delight Seven and the NRL.

With the Nine deal all but done, Seven will walk away from any further negotiations and focus on its AFL coverage.

As part of a new deal, Nine may be asked to reintroduce a midweek footy show.

Seven and Ten had also spoken briefly about a potential share deal for matches.

Nine submitted an initial presentation to the NRL which insiders described as underwhelming. A revised presentation was described by NRL sources as “superb”.

Erin Molan, Darren Lockyer and Brad Fittler present for Channel Nine (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

In discussion with the clubs last week, V’landys said the deal wasn’t just about money and the successful station would need to help promote the game, assist in increasing participation and forge a robust partnership.

“The price is the only thing that is outstanding at the moment — but that is progressing very well,” said one NRL club CEO. “But this is more than money. It’s about promoting the game, participation, being a partnership as well as price.

“The game wants a partner — not somebody that is going to go and do their own thing. The NRL also wants their partner to assist them in promoting the game and help increase participation.

“They are the four Ps – partnership, promotion, participation and price. That is what Peter V’landys told us at the club’s meeting.”

The Seven-Fox deal was fascinating. It included Seven airing post and pre-game shows while using Fox Sports commentators to call matches.

HIGHLIGHT

While his death was deeply saddening, the extraordinary life of St George legend Norm ‘Sticks’ Provan should be celebrated. I interviewed many after his passing last week and all repeated the same mantra: Respect, manners, honour, dignity and loyalty. Nine of the NRL’s 13 Immortals have now left us.

LOWLIGHT

It’s been resolved now but can you believe the moaning English cricketers put the entire Ashes at risk over quarantine concerns? There would be a million weekend cricketers around Australia who would happily complete three months of hard lockdown – make that six - to compete in crickets’ ultimate and iconic series.

Australia celebrates winning the Ashes in 2019. Picture: Daniel Leal-Olivas/AFP/Getty

SHOOSH

Which leading player is ready to quit his Sydney club? The player is on $450,000 a year but, given his stellar form this season, wants that figure increased to a whopping $700,000. His club has rejected such a severe climb, prompting our man to consider walking away.

SPOTTED

Melbourne hooker Harry Grant camping on Queensland’s Capricorn Coast and posting social media photos with Aussie surfers Zane Assink and Dean Morrison.

Harry Grant is a keen surfer.

SPOTTED II

Souths stars Benji Marshall, Adam Reynolds, Cody Walker, Latrell Mitchell and Damien Cook, with families, enjoying an end-of-season break – and trying to wash away their grand final woes – on Daydream Island before being spotted sailing the Whitsundays.

Caption this 😆

Extra points if you recognised @damiencook91 upon first glance.

(📸: @cameronmurrayy/IG) pic.twitter.com/sSaFQbkNyT

— Telegraph Sport (@telegraph_sport) October 14, 2021

SPOTTED III

Former Roosters, Dragons and Bulldogs stars Josh and Brett Morris inside Royal Randwick’s Members’ watching The Everest on Saturday. Olympic sprint champion, Rohan Browning, was also spied trackside along with Karl Stefanovic, Sonia Kruger, Ben Fordham and John Barilaro.

FITZ FILES

New Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon will venture into Shark Park this coming week to check out the club’s facilities and offices. Currently holidaying in Yamba, Fitzgibbon will formally start as Sharks coach on November 1.

Originally published as NRL to reveal huge $2 billion TV deal as Channel Nine agreement looms, Seven walks