2. Channel 9 is out of love with the game… again
Another week in the game and another sideline potshot by Channel 9 at the National Rugby League.
The enthusiasm of the free-to-air broadcaster for the season has been lukewarm since the competition was suspended.
By making a public statement firstly to the ASX about saving $130m by not broadcasting any games this year, followed by this week’s statement that they will walk away from the NRL, you get the feeling Channel 9 wants nothing to do with the game.
‘We have to be hard’: Nine willing to walk away from NRL if price is not right https://t.co/s26Gvsluwc
— PhilGould15 (@PhilGould15) May 5, 2020
There seems to be a growing sentiment among rugby league followers that time is up for the broadcaster and that a rival network should take up the rights.
If Channel 9 was to cancel their contract they will face paying out some of their top commentators including Ray Warren, Phil Gould and Peter Sterling, who have been with them for years.
Having lost the cricket and looking to part ways with rugby league, Channel 9 has well and truly lost the title as being the home of sports in Australia.
