TNT Sports Extends Premiership Rugby Deal Until 2031: A Winning Partnership for Growth

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Premiership Rugby and TNT Sports have announced a significant long-term extension to their broadcasting deal, securing every Gallagher Premiership Rugby and key Premiership Women's Rugby matches until 2031. This partnership promises continued growth for the sport and its fans.

The world of rugby union is buzzing with excitement as Premiership Rugby and TNT Sports have unveiled a landmark agreement: a five-year extension to their broadcasting partnership, stretching until the end of the 2030-31 season. This deal solidifies TNT Sports' position as the exclusive home of Premiership Rugby, guaranteeing live coverage of every single match, including playoffs and the final, on both its linear channels and the Discovery+ streaming platform. The agreement also encompasses significant coverage of the Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) competition, promising at least one live match per round until the end of the 2028-29 season. This extension represents a substantial investment by TNT Sports and signifies a resounding vote of confidence in the future of Premiership Rugby. While the exact financial details remain undisclosed, reports suggest the deal is worth a substantial sum in the region of £200 million, marking a significant increase compared to the previous contract. The annual value is expected to rise incrementally, with the final year projected to reach over £40 million. This financial boost will be crucial for Premiership clubs, providing a much-needed level of stability and allowing for further investment in player development, infrastructure, and overall competition enhancement. The partnership has already yielded impressive results. Since TNT Sports took over broadcasting, viewership figures have soared. The current season shows an 11% rise in average audiences compared to the previous year, a testament to the engaging coverage and strategic marketing efforts. The impact extends beyond men's rugby; Premiership Women's Rugby has experienced a remarkable 86% year-on-year increase in average audiences, showcasing the power of dedicated broadcasting in promoting women’s sport and creating new fans. Both parties have expressed immense enthusiasm about the future. Simon Massie-Taylor, Premiership Rugby's chief executive officer, emphasized the positive impact of the collaboration, highlighting record audiences, increased fan engagement, and sold-out finals. Andrew Georgiou, president and managing director of Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Europe, echoed these sentiments, highlighting TNT Sports' commitment to investing in the long-term growth of both men's and women's Premiership Rugby. Genevieve Shore, executive chair of PWR, also expressed immense delight, underscoring the deal's significance in providing female athletes with a much-deserved platform and inspiring the next generation of players. The extension is not simply a broadcasting deal; it is a strategic partnership built on mutual success. This long-term vision ensures continued growth, both on and off the field. It offers stability to the Premiership Rugby clubs, allowing for strategic planning and investment, while simultaneously providing TNT Sports with valuable content that drives viewership and strengthens its brand position. This winning formula promises an exciting future for both parties and, most importantly, for the fans.
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