FoxSports wrote:Seven considers NRL bid
By Dean Ritchie
February 10, 2005
http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,86 ... 14,00.html
THE Seven Network said last night it would consider muscling in on the multi-million-dollar rugby league television rights and stealing them from under the noses of existing holders Channel 9.
Television stations yesterday privately predicted the fight for the game's free-to-air television rights could drive the price to $30million a season.
However, Nine believes the scenario is quite simple - while Kerry Packer wants rugby league, he will retain the rights.
Nine have held the rights since 1998 with the current deal to expire after the 2007 season. The Nine deal is worth between $13m and $15m a season.
Although Seven and Ten were loathe to comment publicly on the issue, sources indicated the contract value would double for the next deal.
The contentious free-to-air rights issue was raised in The Daily Telegraph this week after Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett claimed the NRL should immediately open
negotiations with free-to-air television stations.
Channel 7 director of corporate development, Simon Francis, confirmed his network's interest in rugby league.
"Rugby league is one of the great sports for television," he said.
"We would be more than happy to participate in any negotiations for TV rights of the NRL."
Packer, though, has a wonderful affection for rugby league and Nine has first-and-last bid rights.
Nine feels Seven would be interested in AFL, whose TV rights expire at the end of this season.
Bennett suggested the rights be divided into three categories - NRL, State of Origin, and Test and Tri-Nations matches.
It is unlikely Packer would allow any carve-up of the game.
NRL chief executive David Gallop would not discuss the amount the game would be seeking.
Asked about Seven's $30million price tag, Gallop said: "While that is encouraging, it would not be appropriate for us to go putting price tags on things now.
"Channel 9 have been excellent partners with us through good times and not-so-good times.
"But we are hot property and when the time is right, we will be maximising our opportunity."
No decision has been made on the length of the next rights contract.
Channel 10 declined to comment on whether it would bid for rugby league. Seven is also showing preliminary interest in pinching cricket from Nine. The current contract expires at the end of 2005/06.
Does anyone seriously believe Channel 9 will loose the FTA TV rights to the NRL? Within a week the price has also dropped from the mooted $40m to $30m.
I think Channel 7 is just saying they are interested to push the price up for old Kerry.
And how about Channel 7's "preliminary interest in pinching cricket from Nine"? Once again probably just to force the price up for Channel 9. Cricket sure would be seem strange not being on Channel 9.