NRL smashes $1 billion barrier in new broadcast deal

The Australian Rugby League Commission has agreed a new five-year domestic broadcast deal worth $1.025 billion with pay-television operator Fox Sports Australia and free-to-air broadcaster Nine Entertainment Co.
Retaining the National Rugby League (NRL) broadcast rights with a new contract running for the five seasons from 2013 to 2017, the deal is the most lucrative agreement in rugby league history.
ARL Commission Chairman John Grant told NRL.com "the whole package is a simply fantastic result for rugby league.
"The cash that comes from the agreement, used wisely, will provide the funding base for sustainably growing our game from the grass-roots to the elite levels.
"The agreement around scheduling answers the request from our clubs and corporate partners for certainty and the inclusion of national coverage will see our fans across Australia able to enjoy their rugby league. Of great importance, and a factor that played heavily into the Commission's final decision, is the release by News (Limited), Fox and Nine of their rights over future 'first and last' agreements. It reflects the positive spirit of the negotiation process and allows the game greater control in determining the value of its assets in the future."
The new contract with Nine and Fox Sports includes a cash component of $925 million topped up by advertising packages to the value of $100 million. It also leaves the Commission free to pursue further significant broadcasting revenues in New Zealand and through mobile and other on-line properties.
Nine Network Managing Director Jeff Browne added "Nine's rugby league telecasts have won international acclaim and are fundamental to Nine's Wide World of Sports brand. We are the gold standard in sports coverage and are delighted to bring the great game of rugby league to our loyal viewers across the country as the exclusive free to air broadcaster. We have outstanding technical people, commentators and a team of experts who live and breathe rugby league and they are passionate about achieving even higher standards in the next five years."
Negotiations over the new deal initially began in February with the ARL Commission targeting the $1.25 billion agreement the Australian Football League (AFL) sealed in April 2011.
However, Grant insisted that the new contract with Nine and Fox Sports underlines the confidence in future of rugby league, concluding "it's been a difficult, complex and at times stressful process and we appreciate the confidence all parties have shown in our game by the innovative proposals they've put to us for consideration," he added. "I think the entire game is entitled to feel proud of what has been achieved. It is a great tribute to the players and the clubs and the important thing now is to maximise the opportunities we now have for the future."