CHAMPIONSHIP clubs have been told they must allow Premier Sports to broadcast their home games against Toronto – and that they won’t be in any way financially rewarded.
League Express magazine this morning published what it said was an email to the clubs in response to concerns that Premier are effectively getting the rights to the Championship for free.
Leigh owner Derek Beaumont has cast doubt over whether he will let Premier cover the Centurions’ home game against the Wolfpack on February 4.
The email, as reported this morning, reads: “At the time of entering the league structure, and with the objective of increasing interest in the competitions, it was agreed that Toronto be granted the non-exclusive right to broadcast live any Toronto Wolfpack game.
“Sky Sports, who recognise that their circumstances are unique, also agreed that, should the Wolfpack be promoted to the Championship, they would support this continued transmission (home and away, not including games played at Summer Bash, the Qualifiers and Magic Weekend). Further to thins, the Toronto Wolfpack have made arrangements at their own cost with Premier Sports to produce and transmit those matches played in the UK.
“It is worth highlighting at this point again that the rights have been granted to Toronto with no fee involved, based entirely on the principle of any coverage increasing visibility and profile of the Championship competition and the member clubs.
“As such, there will be no direct, immediate financial benefit from a broadcast rights fee perspective.
“However, there is also the longer term aspiration to try and develop further overseas broadcast income (North America) to benefit member clubs in future.
“In the meantime, this opportunity is there to maximise the promotion of your match via heightened media and public interest.”
