That equates to a total deal worth almost $A5 billion ($NZ6.1b) over the next seven years.
That record price tag also reportedly includes $A30m ($NZ36.6m) a year for a broadcaster for the New Zealand rights.
Warriors Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak celebrate one of the side’s many tries so far this NRL season. Photo / Photosport
It appears Sky TV is set to be that broadcaster. A $36.6m annual deal would be almost $5m more than what Sky currently pays, according to the Australian reports.
The new deal – which is not expected to be confirmed until next week – would kick off at the end of next season and run until the end of 2034.
Earlier this week, the Australian Financial Review reported NRL chair Peter V’landys was close to signing a new “record” deal with Sky, despite TVNZ’s attempted raid as revealed by Media Insider three weeks ago.
The report said Sky would need to dig deeper into its pockets.
“The NRL rights were estimated to be worth about NZ$32 million a year in the last five-year deal, and would be worth more now – especially as the code considers adding a second team to New Zealand in a few years,” reported the AFR.
Sky TV chief executive Sophie Moloney socialised with V’landys and outgoing NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo in a corporate box area during the Warriors’ NRL match at Christchurch’s new Te Kaha stadium on Sunday.
Sky TV chief executive Sophie Moloney with NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo (left) and chair Peter V’landys (right). Screen grab / Sky TV
We know this because, helpfully, Sky’s own cameras filmed Moloney in casual discussions with the pair in the corporate area shortly after halftime.
Whether by design – Sky’s commentator seemed very prepared in rattling off their three names – or by accident, the footage certainly sent a message to TVNZ that Moloney had a direct line to the NRL at a critical time in the rights discussions.
The AFR was also careful to report earlier this week that no deal had been signed.
“A decision cannot be made before the next NRL Commission meeting, scheduled for next Wednesday. Sky must lodge a notice with the New Zealand stock exchange as soon as a deal is done.”
Sky has refused to comment this week on the NRL rights.
The NRL has not responded to an earlier request for comment.
TVNZ head of sport, events and partnerships Melodie Robinson was aware of the footage of Moloney at the Christchurch game.
“A normal part of the process of having a crack at rights is making sure your relationships are good and getting in front of them, and I would say Sophie Moloney is one of the best in the business at doing that …” Robinson told Newstalk ZB’s Heather du Plessis-Allan.
“She’s got access through her current relationship with the Warriors as well. So, a good move from her.”
Tonight, the AFR reported that the new deal was a win for V’landys and Abdo.
They had pinned their reputations “on securing a result bigger than the AFL’s $4.5 billion, seven-year agreement that runs until 2031″.
“How much of the prospective deal is cash versus free advertising is unknown, and it is also unclear whether the production costs paid by the media companies are counted towards the total value,” reported the AFR.
Editor-at-Large Shayne Currie is one of New Zealand’s most experienced senior journalists and media leaders. He has held executive and senior editorial roles at NZME including Managing Editor, NZ Herald Editor and Herald on Sunday Editor and has a small shareholding in NZME.