Six Nations issue statement on broadcast rights
- 3321
The Six Nations chiefs have admitted that the competition could go behind a paywall from 2022 after a report by the Rugby Paper revealed that the competition could go behind a paywall with Sky Sports set to secure a £300 million deal for the broadcasting rights for the tournament. The Tenders for the live rights to the competition of more 100 international matches close before the completion of the tournament of 14 March, despite the postponed games.
But the Six Nations chiefs insist the tendering process is still at an early stage. “Six Nations are in the process of seeking bids for various sets of media rights but these are not due for some time,” a statement read.
“All of this is highly premature and speculative as no proposals have yet been received by any interested party."
“We would not rule anything out at this stage and the unions will collectively review and make a decision based on the nature of the offers received.”
Virgin Media currently hold the rights to the tournament in Ireland, up to and including the 2021 edition while the BBC and ITV hold the rights in the rest of the UK.
According to the report by the Rugby Paper, The BBC and ITV joined forces to outbid Sky Sports when the rights came up for grabs in 2016 but they were told they were unable to join forces this time around with no joint bids allowed.
Irish law currently mandates only that deferred coverage/highlights of the Six Nations matches be available free to air.
