JD
Very astute your observation
" We'd be naive to pretend that there isn't some issue between the FFA, SKY, NZF and maybe tangentially the Phoenix""'
I am almost scared [given some past reactions] to post what many above have posted pertaining to the A-League coverage across the NZ media platforms, simply it's poor.
FFA want a 100 million dollar media deal for 12 teams across 33 rounds, plus finals, plus FFA Cup, plus ACL ... about 233 games ... [plus Socceroo friendlies as the WCQ & ACQ the rights are owned by the AFC who pay all teams the same amount for each game.]
What drives media deals is rating and potential ratings...
Most media buyers believe their is a correlation between media coverage; and ratings, crowds, and memberships...
The Nix is considered as far as I can see one of the best run clubs in the league with backers willing to fund. Also there is no way FFA want to find 3 teams for the next media deal, 2 will be hard enough..
What I have posted before and with caution say again is FFA want Sky to lead and increase the A-League media coverage in NZ and want NZF to help as well...
Its simply about money, no longer is can you pay the bills the issue, today is what revenue can you bring...
So tis quite astute JD when you said """We'd be naive to pretend that there isn't some issue between the FFA, SKY, NZF""" I am not over there so can offer no real comment on what should or should not be done...
The issue is about revenue and media coverage and IMO has a long way to run...