The 2017 Rights Deal Discussion thread

[The_Wookie]

The AFLs broadcasting rights could be worth 1.6 billion in 2017
Jon Pierik, The Age
February 18th, 2014

A leading media analyst predicts the next AFL broadcast rights contract will be worth up to $1.6 billion, as the league moved to beef up its intricate knowledge of the media by appointing former News Corp chief Kim Williams to its board.

Roger Colman, an experienced research analyst with CCZ Stratton Equities, would not rule out a new broadcasting deal reaching $2 billion but said it was more likely to fall short. ''I gave 5 per cent per annum on $1.25 billion, I got to between $1.5 billion and $1.6 billion. That's what I think it's worth even at a premium inflation rate compared with expected TV advertising growth,'' he said.

AFLS upcoming tv rights present Gillon with a great chance to boost leagues revenue base
John Ralph, Heraldsun
April 30th 2014

GILLON McLachlan is already a billion dollar administrator, having delivered a 10-digit win when the AFL last auctioned its TV rights.

The $1.258 billion sum was seen as a figure which would take something special to surpass, but just three years on the new AFL boss holds a new trump card.

Ten set to be a player in AFL broadcast rights
Jon Pierik, The Age
April 21st, 2014

Channel Ten chief Hamish McLennan has confirmed the former AFL broadcaster shapes as a player in the next rights deal.

"Yes, we’re keen. All depends on what is on offer," McLennan said.

Asked what slots Ten would be interested in, McLennan said: "Depends on price etc, but maybe Saturday again and what is on offer."

AFL could face real challenges to secure 2017 rights deal with clubs on leagues back
John Ralph, Heraldsun
August 20, 2014

THE AFL has been warned it faces real challenges to secure a $1.5 billion TV rights deal as clubs urge the league to extract every dollar from the next rights agreement.

The league will start official negotiations for the 2017-2021 deal over the off-season with Nine, Ten, Seven and Foxtel.

Club bosses believe the AFL needs to extract $1.5-$1.8 billion given the AFLPA’s likely cash grab and discontent from clubs about equalisation taxes.

Channel Ten expresses interest in ten year AFL broadcast deal
Jon Pierik, The Age
August 26th, 2014

Channel Ten has signalled its interest in bidding for the next AFL broadcast rights, even if the AFL decides it wants a 10-year agreement.

AFL chief Gillon McLachlan has floated the prospect of an extended deal, with the present five-year, $1.25 billion agreement with Channel Seven, Foxtel and Telstra expiring after the 2016 season. Media analysts believe a new five-year deal could be worth about $1.6 billion and a 10-year agreement between $3.5 billion and $4 billion.

Ten's chief Hamish McLennan has already signalled his interest in the network regaining a slice of the AFL rights it lost in 2011. It's understood he is open to an extended contract.

Bidding Frenzy for AFL Rights kicks off
John Stenstolt, Australian Financial Review
29 Sep 2014

New AFL boss Gillon McLachlan will formally bring forward negotiations for the next multibillion-dollar broadcast rights deal that could run out to 2027.

The move, which the free-to-air television networks and pay-TV operator Foxtel will be formerly notified of within weeks, is expected to spark a bidding frenzy that will reap the code several billion dollars.

The new deal will run after the current deal expires in 2016, but is expected to be signed within 12 months as the AFL cashes in on demand from the networks for live sports content.

After a quick holiday this week, Mr McLachlan will take his plan for the deal, expected to be 10 years in length, to the AFL Commission in October.

AFL in a grand position to tune into broadcast talks
Jon Pierik, The Age
September 30th, 2014

Healthy year-on-year viewership figures and a spike in grand final television and digital media ratings have the AFL well positioned for the start of official negotiations over what is shaping as a record broadcast rights contract.

The current five-year, $1.25 billion agreement does not expire until the end of the 2016 season, but the AFL has repeatedly stated it is keen to complete a new agreement by the end of 2015. Discussions are set to open within weeks after league chief Gillon McLachlan returns from a short post-season break.

 

[Our Game]

I think it might be good to go for a ten year deal but only with CPI increases built in after 5 years.

I can see the strategy of hopefully getting $3 billion and then buy Docklands as maybe the main aim and if correct the AFL could then look after the clubs that have struggled at that venue.

 

[Supercoach Bargain]

There was a plan for the AFL to digitally deliver vision discussed at the last rights round. They were staffing it up etc. And the current deal might have been the last.
Now not only are we not seeing that, we are seeing a long term broadcast deal instead. What changed? Is it the no fibre NBN or other factors?

 

[Rob]

There was a plan for the AFL to digitally deliver vision discussed at the last rights round. They were staffing it up etc. And the current deal might have been the last.
Now not only are we not seeing that, we are seeing a long term broadcast deal instead. What changed? Is it the no fibre NBN or other factors?

Broadcast deals don't have to include every aspect being sold. I doubt Channel 7 would be too fussed if they don't have digital rights, and it may well be that the AFL doesn't sell that component and keeps it for themselves, with the AFL getting access to the Channel 7 broadcast.

 

[The_Wookie]

Fox, Ten clinch $200m deal to screen rugby matches
PUBLISHED: 0 hour 46 MINUTE AGO | UPDATE: 0 hour 46 MINUTE AGO
Fox Sports Australia and Ten Network Holdings are set to secure the rights to screen Rugby Union for another five years in a deal worth $175-200 million, representing a significant uplift for the struggling code.

http://www.afr.com/p/business/marke...h_deal_to_screen_rugby_LweaY9aylpSQr9a0nrmKTN

 

[Connar]

Fox, Ten clinch $200m deal to screen rugby matches
PUBLISHED: 0 hour 46 MINUTE AGO | UPDATE: 0 hour 46 MINUTE AGO
Fox Sports Australia and Ten Network Holdings are set to secure the rights to screen Rugby Union for another five years in a deal worth $175-200 million, representing a significant uplift for the struggling code.

http://www.afr.com/p/business/marke...h_deal_to_screen_rugby_LweaY9aylpSQr9a0nrmKTN

Now I am hoping for Channel Ten can secure the TV Rights to Australian Masters Golf & Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Fingers Crossed.

If Ten can get the AFL TV Rights, I am hoping that Ten will screen all 9 Games Live every Round as well as Every Final, Brownlow Medal & Grand Final Live just like how Seven did between 1988-2001 as well Fox Footy continuing & airing all 9 Games every Round as well as Every Final, Brownlow Medal, All Australian Awards, Rising Star Awards, AFL Draft & Foxtel Cup.

 

[Furn2]

Now I am hoping for Channel Ten can secure the TV Rights to Australian Masters Golf & Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Fingers Crossed.

If Ten can get the AFL TV Rights, I am hoping that Ten will screen all 9 Games Live every Round as well as Every Final, Brownlow Medal & Grand Final Live just like how Seven did between 1988-2001 as well Fox Footy continuing & airing all 9 Games every Round as well as Every Final, Brownlow Medal, All Australian Awards, Rising Star Awards, AFL Draft & Foxtel Cup.

Yeah, that never happened.

 

[Rob]

7 I don't think screened any more than 6 games a round, and that would have been unusual to have that many. There were some games every round up until the mid 90s that went untelevised. From memory we didn't get Friday night football in Perth at a reasonable hour until about 1994.

 

[Furn2]

7 I don't think screened any more than 6 games a round, and that would have been unusual to have that many. There were some games every round up until the mid 90s that went untelevised. From memory we didn't get Friday night football in Perth at a reasonable hour until about 1994.

It was less than that, 4 maybe 5 at the most and only interstae games live, until optusvision came along in 1995 and showed the other games live on Sport AFL or something like that.

 

[Connar]

It was less than that, 4 maybe 5 at the most and only interstae games live, until optusvision came along in 1995 and showed the other games live on Sport AFL or something like that.

In the Late 1990s, Seven showed a Highlights Program called "AFL Winners", it was replays of Games being played on Saturday Afternoons & on Sundays. The Saturday Night Game was also not shown until 8:30pm.

In Perth, Seven would screen 2-3 Sunday Games with games in Perth on Sundays being shown on delay at 4:30pm with the 30 Minute News Bulletin shown at Half Time then coverage resumed at 6:30pm.

Now if Ten can get all the AFL Rights, I would love to see the Fixtures looks like this:

Odd Rounds

Game A: Friday Night, 7:30pm, Ten (Host Broadcaster), Also simulcasted on Fox Footy
Game B: Saturday Afternoon, 1:30pm, One (Host Broadcaster), Also simulcasted on Fox Footy
Game C: Saturday Afternoon, 2:00pm, Ten (Host Broadcaster), Also simulcasted on Fox Sports 3
Game D: Saturday Twilight, 4:30pm, One (Host Broadcaster), Also simulcasted on Fox Footy
Game E: Saturday Night, 7:30pm, Ten (Host Broadcaster), Also simulcasted on Fox Footy
Game F: Sunday Afternoon, 1:00pm, One (Host Broadcaster), Also simulcasted on Fox Footy
Game G: Sunday Afternoon, 1:30pm, Ten (Host Broadcaster), Also simulcasted on Fox Sports 3
Game H: Sunday Twilight, 4:30pm, One (Host Broadcaster), Also simulcasted on Fox Sports 3
Game I: Sunday Night, 6:30pm, Ten (Host Broadcaster), Also simulcasted on Fox Footy

Even Rounds

Game A: Friday Night, 7:30pm, Ten (Host Broadcaster), Also simulcasted on Fox Footy
Game B: Saturday Afternoon, 1:30pm, Ten (Host Broadcaster), Also simulcasted on Fox Footy
Game C: Saturday Twilight, 4:30pm, One (Host Broadcaster), Also simulcasted on Fox Footy
Game D: Saturday Night, 7:30pm, Ten (Host Broadcaster), Also simulcasted on Fox Footy
Game E: Sunday Afternoon, 12:30pm, Ten (Host Broadcaster), Also simulcasted on Fox Sports 3
Game F: Sunday Afternoon, 1:30pm, One (Host Broadcaster), Also simulcasted on Fox Footy
Game G: Sunday Twilight, 3:30pm, Ten (Host Broadcaster), Also simulcasted on Fox Sports 3
Game H: Sunday Twilight, 4:30pm, One (Host Broadcaster), Also simulcasted on Fox Footy
Game I: Sunday Night, 6:30pm, Ten (Host Broadcaster), Also simulcasted on Fox Sports 3

Finals

Week 1

QF1: Friday Night, 7:30pm, Ten (Host Broadcaster), Also simulcasted on Fox Footy.
QF2: Saturday Afternoon, 2:30pm, Ten (Host Broadcaster), Also simulcasted on Fox Footy.
EF1: Saturday Night, 7:30pm, Ten (Host Broadcaster), Also simulcasted on Fox Footy.
EF2: Sunday Twilight, 4:30pm, Ten(Host Broadcaster), Also simulcasted on Fox Footy.

Week 2

SF1: Saturday Afternoon, 2:30pm, Ten (Host Broadcaster), Also simulcasted on Fox Footy.
SF2: Sunday Night, 6:30pm, Ten (Host Broadcaster), Also simulcasted on Fox Footy.

Week 3

PF1: Friday Night, 7:30pm, Ten (Host Broadcaster), Also simulcasted on Fox Footy.
PF2: Saturday Twilight, 4:30pm, Ten (Host Broadcaster, Includes News Bulletin at Half Time), Also simulcasted on Fox Footy.

Week 4

GF: Saturday Afternoon, 2:30pm, Ten (Host Broadcaster), Also simulcasted on One

All Saturday Afternoon Games of the Year to be Played in Victoria. NSW Viewers to only see Games & Finals Matches containing Swans & Giants & QLD Viewers to only see Games & Finals Matches containing Lions & Suns. Grand Final to be also shown into NSW & QLD & Brownlow Medal Night live on Ten & also simulcasted on One.

I think this was a similar Fixture when Seven had the TV Rights the Mid to Late 1990s.

 

[bigleague]

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-10-08/extended-interview-with-richard-freudenstein/5800072

Interesting discussion about foxsports business model and the potential for streaming services to enter the bidding for sports rights.

 

[hitthepost]

All Saturday Afternoon Games of the Year to be Played in Victoria.

In the AUSTRALIAN Football League, surely this isn't a good idea.
It would still be about 1 of every 2-3 matches given there are 10 teams in Victoria anyway.

 

[Connar]

In the AUSTRALIAN Football League, surely this isn't a good idea.
It would still be about 1 of every 2-3 matches given there are 10 teams in Victoria anyway.

Every Saturday Afternoon Match was played in Victoria during the 1990s & through to 2001.

 

[hitthepost]

Every Saturday Afternoon Match was played in Victoria during the 1990s & through to 2001.

Is it, in 2015/6/7 a good idea though? Or just because the VFL did it then, the VFL should do it now?

 

[Experimental]

What's the likelihood of 10/7/Foxtel/Telstra all sharing the rights?

7 to air all Friday night games, Saturday night games, and 'blockbuster' games/clash games, 10 to get all Saturday and Sunday twilight games, Foxtel to air all games in HD, Telstra to stream.

Obviously it's a hugely different market, but the NFL shares broadcasting rights between CBS/FOX/ESPN/NBC/etc. Not sure how it works, but if it means the AFL gets more money and fans get more games with a better broadcast, it'd be cool.

 

[legend166]

Something completely out of left field: Netflix are entering the Australian market next year (at least that's what everyone is saying). I wonder if there's any chance of them bidding for say one game per week + on demand replays/archives? There were reports they were trying to bid for NFL games in the States so it's not totally out of the realms of possibility. It's certainly one way to attract subscribers.

 

[bigleague]

Something completely out of left field: Netflix are entering the Australian market next year (at least that's what everyone is saying). I wonder if there's any chance of them bidding for say one game per week + on demand replays/archives? There were reports they were trying to bid for NFL games in the States so it's not totally out of the realms of possibility. It's certainly one way to attract subscribers.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-10-08/extended-interview-with-richard-freudenstein/5800072

Interesting discussion about foxsports business model and the potential for streaming services to enter the bidding for sports rights.

 

[RodneyMaynard]

Even if Netflix aren't serious, their involvement in the bidding can only increase the price.

 

[Connar]

What's the likelihood of 10/7/Foxtel/Telstra all sharing the rights?

7 to air all Friday night games, Saturday night games, and 'blockbuster' games/clash games, 10 to get all Saturday and Sunday twilight games, Foxtel to air all games in HD, Telstra to stream.

Obviously it's a hugely different market, but the NFL shares broadcasting rights between CBS/FOX/ESPN/NBC/etc. Not sure how it works, but if it means the AFL gets more money and fans get more games with a better broadcast, it'd be cool.

So you are saying that Seven will air the usual 4 Games & Ten airing the remaining 5. Then what will happen with the Finals?

 

[Experimental]

So you are saying that Seven will air the usual 4 Games & Ten airing the remaining 5. Then what will happen with the Finals?

It was just an example, but from what has been going around, Ten seems to be interested in getting the rights back, but it's similarly been reported that Ten is a bit cash strapped at the moment, so who knows.

 

[The_Wookie]

It was just an example, but from what has been going around, Ten seems to be interested in getting the rights back, but it's similarly been reported that Ten is a bit cash strapped at the moment, so who knows.

More likely to go for the same deal they had with seven last time they combined. Seven will take the marquee fridays and sundays, ten would take two matches on the saturday with fox broadcast all simultaeously and 3 or 4 exclusively. It was sevens preferred option this time but ten didnt have the money.

 

[bigleague]

More likely to go for the same deal they had with seven last time they combined. Seven will take the marquee fridays and sundays, ten would take two matches on the saturday with fox broadcast all simultaeously and 3 or 4 exclusively. It was sevens preferred option this time but ten didnt have the money.

I don't know that it was a case of ten not having the money, Ten signalled early that they wouldn't bid and that Murdoch thought they weren't getting value for money under the previous arrangement. They also made the NRL their focus and were over the line up until Kim Williams gave away News Corps f&l rights in fox and nines joint bid, which ultimately cost Williams his job. I don't think ten can afford to be so picky this time around.

 

[Furn2]

FTA have no interest in the other 5 games. They just want the two night games and the two games to lead into the news. They aren't going to pay a mint for games in bad timeslots or games that go up against another fta game.

Also foxtel isn't going to pay one cent if it doesn't get exclusive games.

The deal will be the same split as last time it's just a matter of how the 4 fta games are split up.

 

[Connar]

Network Ten Commentary Team:

Friday Night, Saturday Night & Sunday Night: PDP: Stephen Quartermain, Brian Taylor, SC: Luke Darcy, Boundary: Barry Hall

Saturday Afternoon & 1x Sunday Afternoon: PDP: Anthony Hudson, Michael Christian, SC: Stephen Silvagni, Boundary: Andrew Maher

1x Saturday Afternoon (Odd Rounds)/1x Sunday Twilight (Even Rounds), 1x Sunday Afternoon: PDP: Tim Lane, Dwayne Russell, SC: Matthew Lloyd, Boundary: Mark Howard

Saturday Twilight (Odd Rounds)/1x Sunday Twilight: PDP: Gerard Whateley, SC: Campbell Brown, Brad Johnson, Boundary: Wayne Carey

Grand Final: PDP: Stephen Quartermain, Tim Lane, SC: Luke Darcy, Boundary: Andrew Maher, Mark Howard

 

[bigleague]

McLennan also said he was also not prepared to overpay to acquire more sporting events despite the probability of strong ratings.

“We are not going to blow our brains out on AFL or NRL if we are think it’s going to be loss maker. We will be selective and strategic and see if we can carve out a role with AFL and NRL and be a little bit cheeky along the way.”

Sounds like Ten may be open to grabbing a small slice of both codes rather then a large chunk of one. How would being stablemates on the same network play with the two codes?