I imagine the broadcast deal will be super important. Different but similar, the NRL has mentioned the extra pay for view league subscribers they hope to get in PNG when an NRL team starts up there in 2028. PNG does have a popn of 12 million after all.
Seems some of Island Govts like Solomons and Vanuatu are also keen for this league to do well. Those countries have no other pro sports teams, and it's good politically to have a sports team around making the voters happy.
And the whole idea of the Hub concept seems to be to keep costs down, giving the league a higher chance of being sustainable. Too early to say how it will go. I really hope it survives and there is even expansion down the track.
You listen to Brian Kaltak talk about how hard it is for a young Vanuatu kid to break into pro football, and you can't help but wish this new League all the best.
Do worry that the league could be a prime target for Asian gambling syndicates, and dodgy yellow card offers etc. $10K might be half a SI player's salary in this 6 month league. The wages won't be very high. Hopefully OFC and FIFA are all over that and highlighting to the players it ain't worth it.
Seems some of Island Govts like Solomons and Vanuatu are also keen for this league to do well. Those countries have no other pro sports teams, and it's good politically to have a sports team around making the voters happy.
And the whole idea of the Hub concept seems to be to keep costs down, giving the league a higher chance of being sustainable. Too early to say how it will go. I really hope it survives and there is even expansion down the track.
You listen to Brian Kaltak talk about how hard it is for a young Vanuatu kid to break into pro football, and you can't help but wish this new League all the best.
Do worry that the league could be a prime target for Asian gambling syndicates, and dodgy yellow card offers etc. $10K might be half a SI player's salary in this 6 month league. The wages won't be very high. Hopefully OFC and FIFA are all over that and highlighting to the players it ain't worth it.