Despite claims to the contrary, Seven has firmly denied speculation that it is planning on bidding for NRL rights.
According to reports in The Herald Sun, the Seven Network expressed interest in nabbing the Nine Network’s State of Origin rights. The State of Origin has consistently proved a ratings boon for Nine.
News Corp said Seven is also pursuing one NRL game per round.
Currently, the Seven Network also holds the rights to the AFL.
The NRL reconfirmed its TV deal with Nine in 2020. Nine has the NRL contract until the end of 2022.
However, the Seven Network has vehemently denied any interest in the rights.
A spokesperson for Seven told B&T, “we have no comment on speculation about the NRL TV rights. As Seven West Media managing director and chief executive officer, James Warburton [pictured], said last week, the notion that we’re going to go and blow our brains out financially to acquire any sports rights is ridiculous.”
“We’re going to make measured decisions around what the content delivers.”
The Seven Network announced strong results in their EOFY reports, netting $318 million profits.
