One of the biggest takeaways of the night for me was around the broadcast rights.
Points of interest:
1. Rob specifically kept talking about "broadcasters" plural. He wasn't exactly bagging Sky but it's clear they are open to other options.
2. The key driver is obvious - increasing viewership. That either means Sky coming up with a much better package of content (and actually promoting it) or maybe going free-to-air. Or a bit of both? Internet streaming?
3. Welnix are talking to potential broadcasters on behalf of the FFA, effectively acting as their local agents. There's some commercial value for you right there FFA. Rob Morrison doesn't exactly work for $20 an hour.
4. So much was said about the need for NZF to "step up" that although it wasn't explicitly stated I wonder if packaging the Nix, other A-League games, the All Whites, other NZ international teams and the ASB Prem together could possibly be on the cards? That would have the reach that everyone seems to be looking for, not so sure about the commercial value (although it would be hard to think of a more valuable NZ football package than that). That would bring the Nix, NZF and FFA together in a true commercial partnership that could be good for everyone.
5. Fudge me, what if Welnix were able to get hold of the EPL rights and then use that as leverage?
Points 4 and 5 are total speculation by me btw.
Like the idea of 4. Putting on 90minutes of match coverage isn't adequate but combine a news package with player interviews in a weekly show would work so long as you have someone sensible running it. It comes down to the investment in NZ football so this is where the NZF might come in. I know rugby is the national game but football is the largest participation sport for the U16s isn't it.
On 5. the money involved in EPL rights is massive and its likely that Sky will outbid PLP for the NZ rights next time around. The format of the PLP offering is superior to Sky and a model for a NZ football package perhaps.