Premiership Rugby Signs £200m TV Deal Extension with TNT Sports
In a major boost for English rugby union, Premiership Rugby has extended its domestic broadcast rights agreement with TNT Sports for another five years, ensuring extensive coverage for the top flight of rugby through the 2030/31 season. This new deal is set to provide significant financial support for the competition, with an estimated value of £200 million over the course of the extension. The agreement will also enhance the visibility of women’s rugby, further broadening TNT Sports’ coverage of the sport.
Under the terms of the agreement, TNT Sports will broadcast all 93 matches of the men’s Premiership Rugby season on both its linear television channels and the Discovery+ streaming service. This means that every fixture from the elite level of English rugby union will be available to fans across the UK, solidifying TNT Sports’ role as the primary broadcaster of the competition.
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A Boost for Women’s Rugby
As part of the expanded deal, TNT Sports will also air at least one match per round from Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR). This marks an important step in growing the visibility of women’s rugby in the UK, ensuring that PWR gets the recognition and viewership it deserves. The inclusion of PWR fixtures alongside the men’s competition is a significant move to further integrate women’s rugby into mainstream sports broadcasting, reflecting the growing popularity and importance of the women’s game.
Financial Terms and Projected Value
Although the financial details of the deal have not been officially disclosed, sources suggest that the new agreement represents a substantial increase over the current deal. The existing two-year contract, which expires at the end of the 2025/26 season, is valued at approximately £33 million per year. In contrast, the new £200 million deal is believed to provide a much larger financial boost, with the final year of the extension projected to be worth £40 million annually.
This significant increase in broadcasting revenue highlights the growing commercial value of Premiership Rugby, driven by rising fan engagement and the broader appeal of both the men’s and women’s competitions. The extension also ensures financial stability for the sport as it moves into the 2030s, helping to support clubs, players, and grassroots rugby development.
The Role of TNT Sports and Discovery+
TNT Sports, which is part of the global media conglomerate Discovery, will continue to leverage its platforms to provide comprehensive coverage of Premiership Rugby. The deal will see the broadcaster utilize its digital and linear channels to reach a wide audience, with Discovery+ serving as a key streaming platform for rugby fans. This expanded access is expected to further drive the growth of rugby’s fan base, particularly among younger viewers who are increasingly turning to streaming services for their sports content.
TNT Sports’ commitment to broadcasting every single match from the men’s Premiership Rugby season is a clear indication of the broadcaster’s long-term investment in the sport. With the added coverage of women’s rugby, the deal positions TNT Sports as a key player in the future of both the men’s and women’s games in the UK.
Looking Ahead: Red Bull’s Interest in Newcastle Falcons
The extension of the broadcasting deal comes at a time when Premiership Rugby is experiencing significant interest from global investors. Notably, Red Bull is reportedly eyeing a takeover of the Newcastle Falcons, one of the league’s most well-known clubs. This potential acquisition could further elevate the profile of Premiership Rugby, bringing in additional sponsorship and commercial opportunities.
Red Bull’s involvement in rugby would signal the sport’s increasing appeal to major global brands and investors, adding another layer of excitement to the future of the competition. The financial stability provided by the new broadcasting deal will ensure that Premiership Rugby remains a strong contender in the global sports market.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for English Rugby
This new £200 million deal between Premiership Rugby and TNT Sports ensures the continued growth of English rugby union and women’s rugby. With extensive coverage across multiple platforms, this agreement will provide fans with greater access to the sport than ever before. As Premiership Rugby looks to expand its reach and attract more international attention, the support from TNT Sports will play a crucial role in securing the future of the competition.
This article is originally published on : sportspro
