The Six Nations kicks off this Friday with France hosting Wales (Image: Getty)
TNT Sports is reportedly set to get broadcasting rights for the Rugby from next year, with plans to place some of the matches behind a paywall for the first time.
Under the current deal expiring this year, and ITV share live coverage, with televising home games for Wales and Scotland, while ITV shows the rest.
However, the £90 million agreement is up for renewal, and the tournament’s value has jumped to £100 million – £10 million more than the current broadcasters’ payment.
The Six Nations isn’t protected as a ‘Category A’ event by the Government, which means it’s not guaranteed free-to-air TV coverage like major events such as football World Cups or , prompting speculation that it could be moved to a subscription-based channel.
Barbara Slater, the outgoing director of sport, admitted in November last year that the corporation might lose the Six Nations rights due to escalating costs, and it was reported over the weekend that there were fears within the that they could be “frozen out” of future deals.
The broadcasting landscape for the Six Nations is set for a shakeup, as reports that TNT Sports – formerly identified as BT Sport – is poised to take over the championship from next season. This addition will bolster their current selection of rugby content including the Gallagher Premiership and Autumn Nations Series.
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England’s matches could be broadcasted behind a paywall (Image: Getty)
Yet there’s still hope for ITV retaining some broadcasting rights, and discussions are ongoing with no official confirmation done and dusted. It is suggested that even the might clinch a “sweetheart deal” with tournament leaders, indicating we may see a mix of pay-per-view and free coverage moving forward.
The report notes: “Having impressed the Six Nations committee with their coverage of the Autumn Nations Series, TNT Sports have proven itself more than capable of taking on such a prestigious event as the Six Nations and look destined to be the host broadcaster from next season.
“At best, the new TV deal will be a hybrid of subscription and free-to-air live coverage, with ITV Sport likely to be TNT Sport’s most probable partner unless the can secure some kind of ‘sweetheart’ deal with the Six Nations committee.”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for TNT Sports has commented: “While we think the Six Nations is the best international rugby competition in the world, its important partnership with free-to-air television across the UK and Ireland, but particularly in markets like Wales and Ireland, would make our involvement very challenging.”
A subscription to TNT Sports ranges from £20 to £30.99 per month, depending on the package selected. Besides its rugby coverage, the broadcaster also provides covers football, Champions League, Europa League and Conference League matches, as well as MotoGP, cricket, UFC, boxing and WWE events.
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