Quote: Wires71 "https
The key sentence is your first one IMO.
I don't think IMG had anything to do with the current TV deal. In terms of Magic Weekend and Loop fixtures, IMG wanted to get rid of both - a popular view I think for most fans, but the clubs overruled it.
I think we have seen evidence of clubs progressing, off the field, which is why the gradings were put in. I'd imagine we will see these gradings tweaked as we go through the years, to drive further improvements. We have two clubs in much better positions in terms of ownership (Wakey & Cas) with Hull FC rumoured to have new investment also. Whether its coincidence it has happened following IMG's arrival I'm not sure.