Also it would be nice if the BBC had run a story on this wouldn't it?

Oh give over. I think they have a slightly bigger event going on right now?

Also, I've no idea who will take over but that only builds the excitement before the slating begins.

They may attract fewer people, but those people have greater spending power and disposable income, and they are the kinds of people companies want to advertise to.

My rlmodest proposalrl for Super League

For me the main thing is that we partner a 'household name'. Stobart was perfect but for a deal like this to be cut after only 1 year rings a few alarm bells.

The increased viewing figures are great - and a real reason for celebration. But let's not kid ourselves they can in any way be attributed to the Stobart deal. A deal so bad, it's almost funny.

Yes, it looks like we've come out of it no real damage done, and in a good position to attract another sponsor. But from a commercial perspective - and somebody in marketing has already mentioned this further up the thread - we've shot ourselves in the foot with this particular 'innovation'. What's worse it that the RFL know this, and are treating us - the fans - with outright contempt, suggesting it was all somehow in their strategy, and has worked out just brilliantly(?!)

Whoever the Commercial team are at the RFL certainly need their performance reviewed. We know RL is a hard sell guys, but how can you feasibly walk into negotiations with any major firm and flog them sponsorship rights for our wonderful, fast-growing, exciting competition, when only a few months ago you valued those same rights at virtually nothing?

If the Stobart deal was part of a wider more structured suit of sponsors, it'd be one thing. But it isn't, and the RFL have backed themselves into a right old corner. They have in effect devalued their own product over the course of the last few years, to the extent that our existing deals with 'Elonex', 'Irn Bru' and 'Heinz BIG Soup' represent our strongest commercial support.

For all the spin the RFL put on how innovative they are, the current situation demonstrates nothing but a complete lack of commercial nous. I mean, how much was the Stobart deal even worth? You couldn't even measure it if it were successful - or know exactly the impact it has had. That, as anybody in this line of work knows, is the basics.

wern't bet365 after the rights along with Stobart? Will they still be interested after that snub?

The clubs may have to forget their 'morals' and take the bookies cash, because there aren't many other sectors who will be open to spending a nice sum on naming rights.

This fella's about right, IMO - rlhttp://littlegrubbers.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/a-modest-proposal.htmlrl

IIRC it was BetFair, and they put that money into the Darts instead.

Err, not sure that Union has lower figures in terms of crowds or TV as well....

I was just responding to someone's claims. But I'm sure SL gets better TV figures than the union thing.

think you're right, I was under the impression that Super League has the highest TV figures for a domestic league in the UK after football, well ahead of Union and county cricket.

At any rate, regarding Stobart- we tried it, it didn't work, let's go again. Carling/Molson Coors must be looking to sponsor something after losing the S*** Beer Cup, and they must have some dosh.

Every sport claims to be the 2nd behind football it seems. The key is the sponsors of union obviously feel that advertising with them attracts the audience who would use their product. It's not how many watch, but how many of those you target watch.

True. I think a lot of advertisers believe that union has a) mass appeal (which I'm not sure it truly does) and links to the law, the City etc. (which I think have weakened hugely). And assume that RL has an entirely working-class profile. I'm not sure that either stereotype has ever been 100% true, but I'm certain that they aren't now.

I'm still convinced that this country's number two sport is cricket.