80 replies to this topic

[Lesmets]

With the EPL getting massive money outta sky what would happen if Super League failed to get a TV partner willing to put major money in to keep the top teams afloat and competition viable ,and b4 anyone goes off about me putting this on a forum and I don't like RL ,it's because I love the game I bring this up as it could be a very real possibility in years to come !

[gingerjon]

We'd reintroduce the 5m rule and pre season County Cups.

[Lesmets]

I can really see the Aussies going for that lol!

[Futtocks]

Let's treat this as a serious question, then. Sky dropping SL would be bad business, and Sky rarely do bad business. They're getting a ratings winner dirt cheap, after all.

[Lesmets]

Ok should SL hold out for more money then to compete with Union and the NRL???

[gingerjon]

Let's treat this as a serious question, then. Sky dropping SL would be bad business, and Sky rarely do bad business. They're getting a ratings winner dirt cheap, after all.

I can why Sky would offload something expensive that sinks down the ratings - say thirty fat blokes botting each other in the mud whilst Simon Barnes has an orgasm - but losing rugby league is something they've shown themselves unwilling to do. As you say, they get it cheap, it's good ratings and guaranteed good television.

If they were to drop it - I think it more likely they'd try to pay less - we know that ESPN are desperate for content right now.

[keighley]

If ESPN are really desperate, we shoukld give then rights to all the WC games not being covered by either Sky, the BBC or French TV. When we know which TV companies are actually covering the WC, that is.

[Lesmets]

ESPN seem to be planning an exit strategy from the UK market with the loss of PremierLeague and Union

[John Drake]

With the EPL getting massive money outta sky what would happen if Super League failed to get a TV partner willing to put major money in to keep the top teams afloat and competition viable ,and b4 anyone goes off about me putting this on a forum and I don't like RL ,it's because I love the game I bring this up as it could be a very real possibility in years to come !

What makes you think it could be 'a very real possibility'? Other than to troll this forum?

Sky have actually expanded their coverage of RL this year (Super League Supermen & Backchat, in addition to the usual live slots and Boots n All).

They seem to have more confidence in its future than you.

[gingerjon]

ESPN seem to be planning an exit strategy from the UK market with the loss of PremierLeague and Union

It's a pretty poor exit strategy in that they keep bidding for things.

[TheDuke]

i would like someone to tell me how much each sport receives per minute of coverage

i think RL is worth twice what it currently gets, and BT are now market contendors too

[Griff]

With the EPL getting massive money outta sky what would happen if Super League failed to get a TV partner willing to put major money in to keep the top teams afloat and competition viable ,and b4 anyone goes off about me putting this on a forum and I don't like RL ,it's because I love the game I bring this up as it could be a very real possibility in years to come !

The answer to the OP is they'd either get another TV contract or go back to playing part-time.

I'm not particularly worried that this is going to happen though.

[Lesmets]

What makes you think it could be 'a very real possibility'? Other than to troll this forum?

Sky have actually expanded their coverage of RL this year (Super League Supermen & Backchat, in addition to the usual live slots and Boots n All).

They seem to have more confidence in its future than you.

More just a what if concern ,I got to thinking about it after the Grand Final ,which when you look at it seemed to lack the hype and grandure of a NRL or AFL Grand Final ,if the GF is the biggest game in this country why is it played at a football stadium without proper field marking or branding ,it's almost like RL is apologising for being at Old Trafford ,we keep accepting 2nd best the game should be played at a venue like Wembley where the field can be marked properly and our Grand Final can actually be the massive spectacle it deserves to be , I just think back to a time when a test v Australia was massive and filled Wembley , since The Super League War I just think the game has gone backward !

[JohnM]

ESPN seem to be planning an exit strategy from the UK market with the loss of PremierLeague and Union

Evidence? Proof? Shape up or ship out.

[Johnoco]

GB v Australia has never filled Wembley. Ever.

[JohnM]

I just think back to a time when a test v Australia was massive and filled Wembley ,

when was that then, kid?

[keighley]

It's my opinion that you should reserve judgement until after next years Rugby World Cup. I think it's going to be massive and we could have three hunomgeous crowds at the Millenium, Wembley and Old Trafford ( Are those grounds big enough for you ) and the French home games will be capacity attendances also.

The preliminary ticket sales have been strong. If it turns out to be a flop, you might have a valid point and Sky might lose interest.

My opinion is that Sky will have good ratings and free to air coverage from the BBC as a joint broadcaster will also be huge ( if that happens).

If things go right the result might be more Sky involvment not less.

[keighley]

GB v Australia has never filled Wembley. Ever.

Maybe not but they drew over 70,000 to the old Wembley.

[Johnoco]

Maybe not but they drew over 70,000 to the old Wembley.

Once. And that still isn't full.

[keighley]

Once. And that still isn't full.

I,m not disputing that but isn't it a record attendance for a RL international in this country?