Amazon, Seven and Paramount in the mix in addition to rights holders Nine and Foxtel.
Speculation around the future of NRL rights continues to heat up with reports around Amazon, Seven and Paramount in the mix in addition to rights holders Nine and Foxtel.
The Australian Financial Review reports Foxtel has pitched for all the NRL rights and spoken to both the Seven and 10 about broadcasting some of the games on Free to Air. Such a move would shut Nine out entirely of any NRL rights.
Foxtel may bid for the rights, but due to Australia’s anti-siphoning laws, requires a Free to Air partner to broadcast some games.
The Australian meanwhile reports Seven’s pitch, as Southern Cross Media, is likely to include a proposal to broadcast Monday Night Football – should the sporting body seek to revive that timeslot in 2028 – and at least one other club game, possibly a Sunday afternoon fixture.
Seven has previously expressed an interest in broadcasting the State of Origin series.
Meanwhile Prime Video wanted to own one night a week – Friday, for example.
It’s expected that the NRL broadcast deal will be finalised by mid-July, with Peter V’landys, chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission, hoping to secure a deal worth more than $4bn over five years, commencing in 2028.
Seven and 10 declined to comment. Foxtel also declined to comment.