There is some smart folk in Welnix. I think they will cut their cloth to suit the likely income. If they have to cut hard they will. Yes it could mean a budget team, but like El Grap I see the league itself folding before the Nix.
The absolutely key outcome over next 6 months or so is negotiating a new broadcasting deal for season 2021/2022. Fox is now at around $30M (virtually 50% of past TV money) for the 2020/2021 season, and then it's all over for them? That about right?
So NLWG/FFA will be working their arses off to find a new deal to at least match that, or hopefully improve. If they can't yes real risk A League finishes, or is just completely watered down to a NSL type comp with many players part time. But don't forget if 2021/2022 season happens, crowds are highly likely to be back.
So if league and clubs can survive this upcoming season, which is going to be very challenging (esp if is no crowds) - is some ray of light. Admittedly I have no idea if there is any alternative broadcasters out there (maybe mix of streaming, free to Air Aussie TV, pay for view etc etc) willing to even match Foxtel's current $30M odd per season.
I also think is some chance now there will be crowds for the new upcoming A League season. The Aussie states are all vigorously competing with each other to host sporting events. QLD has secured the AFL grand final (fighting off SA & WA), and the Gabba will be at it's 30,000 capacity. NSW and QLD are to host The Rugby Championship (All Blacks, Springboks, Wallabies & Pumas). Was a better commercial model apparently (plus yes more relaxed quarantine rules) than NZ. So yeah Aussie states are looking for events, and crowds are happening now. It's up to NLWG/FFA to put the games somewhere, where crowds are possible, plus also negotiating a better hub setup so player's can have their families close by etc. I'm a little optimistic now will be a better setup on both fronts, than the sharkty NSW hub setup.
