The NRL has today negotiated for the Nine Network to make a $30million funding payment under the new broadcasting agreement.
In turn $8m is being distributed across the sixteen NRL clubs this evening delivering on an agreement made between the ARL Commissioners and the clubs last year to provide a 2012 television rights bonus if practical.
The payment comes after an intensive week of negotiations with the Nine Network which has resulted in the ‘long-form’ television rights agreement being sufficiently resolved to allow the payment.
“From the moment we signed the Heads of Agreement with our broadcast partners we have been working towards providing this payment to the clubs,” ARLC Interim Chief Executive, Mr Shane Mattiske, said today.
“This afternoon we reached a point where Nine was sufficiently comfortable to make the payment.
“This is just the start of the benefits the new broadcast rights deal will provide to the game’s stakeholders over the term of the agreement but it is a significant step for the clubs.
“At the same time it is a reflection of the positive partnership between the Commission and Channel Nine who have demonstrated the Rugby League is a key priority for the network.
“It is important now that we finalise discussions around future club funding and that we address the Collective Bargaining Agreement. We are already in the process of confirming our next round of meetings with the players and the RLPA.”