Copied from IFBL forum contributor WAZ
An interesting article below with some strong statements.
* Since the FFA signed the latest broadcast deal with Fox Sports the number of boxes has reduced by 20%
* There are 700,000 fewer box sets that can access the A-League now than when the contract was signed.
* The A League has the youngest demographic of all codes, with more than half aged under 34.
* For the smaller clubs, that (TV distribution) sum is more than they spend on their entire playing roster and is the main revenue stream.
* For Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC, however, their share of the TV money represents just 15 per cent of their total revenue. It's a considerable amount, but hardly the lifeblood that TV money is for NRL clubs.
* According to sources at those bigger A-League clubs, broadcast revenue is becoming a secondary issue. What they need more than cash is exposure, and pay TV isn't providing it.
“a split from Fox Sports could be the removal of the shackles that have prevented the biggest clubs from fulfilling their potential”
His Follow up:
The article is extremely positive and, given FoxTel’s opposition to FTA and the HAL, it’s interesting that NINE now emerge not just as the FTA broadcaster but possibly as the main broadcaster.
This looks like an article written to talk up the A-Lesgues future - a rare event when even some supporters are death riding the Comp.
The Clubs probably only need a deal worth around $36m/year to “stand still” compared to the current deal and could probably survive comfortably off $26m/year, the FFA being the likely biggest loser.
How interesting will it become when these clubs have to appease FANS and not FoxTel though !!!