Quote: Alffi_7 "I believe the Catalan deal is worth zero as far as payment to Catalan is concerned - there is probably some value to Sky as they get a game free by swapping a couple of their own I believe and Catalan probably get better sponsorship off the back of it. But in terms of cash value of the rights, its nil.
I'm very much pro expansion, and want more French teams certainly, and North American teams in the game. However they do need to add value, whether that is in terms of player development or financial return (TV deal) or both. Otherwise they are taking players away from UK clubs and offering little back.
I'd accept Canada 2, New York and Toulouse in to the mix, as to have a paying TV deal off the back of 1 club in a territory is unrealistic, but to grow this number further, they need to offer a TV deal - otherwise they are a player drain.
To grow the sport we need to get to the point where we have a UK, North American & French TV deal coming in to the pot.'"
I get the dream and almost agree with you (in principle) but, it's not going to happen.
The French sides are in RL playing areas, with junior development etc and can play throughout the current season.
However, Toronto are just not in this category.
Effectively, they are taking the place of a UK/French side in the top flight and whilst, no doubt there is interest when they come over and play their games, primarily because of their huge salary spend which makes them a "big draw" but what is the actual plan for RL in UK/Europe.
IF there are to be 3 or 4 N. American sides plus 2 French sides in SL, are we to have just 6 UK clubs competing in the top flight and where are the players going to come from because it sure as hell isn't N. America.
We are in a catch 22, where the game needs more money and with the next Sky deal likely to be a reduction, just what do the RFL think the future of RL looks like.
The utter bull smidt about this fitting with the RFL plan really makes me cringe, especially when nothing is publicised about what the hell their plan is.
IMO this expansion, far from growing the game will probably be the death of it and with only half a dozen FT pro clubs in England, what happens next.
Is the Championship going to be a pop n crisps league ?? feeding the SL clubs the occasional player.
I've watched RL for over 50 years but it's time to do something else Big Nige and his successor have destroyed RL.
