Quote:
Originally Posted by OLD BOY
Yes, I do accept there is uncertainty over the value. And I think both Sky and BT may well pay less for the rights next time around..
But my post stated that the reason for the cancelled auction was the Coronavirus. ASI have said already, the Premier League used that as the basis of their proposal. Why you continue to dispute that despite the evidence there in black and white is beyond me, I’m afraid.
But of course you keep arguing that black is white, so maybe you cannot read the letter.  |
My view is probably similar to jfman's and is based on analysing the situation, not any insider knowledge or blog posts.
I believe the Premier League have used Coronavirus as a scapegoat to cleverly maintain the existing level of TV rights when they were at risk of being eroded. I don't believe we should just accept their reason as being gospel, however nicely worded it might be. I believe we should dig a bit deeper and look at what we know anout the market dynamics and draw independent and logical conclusions.
Uncertainty about the Premier League delivering valuable content is pretty minimal to be honest. Matchday revenue is not so important these days and with interest rates low, someone is always there to lend the key clubs money. There is no likely scenario that would see the likes of Liverpool, Man City, United, Arsenal, etc all fall into administration and out of the League. If a smaller club did, it would not significantly impact the attractiveness of the TV rights.
What is certain is that the relationship between Sky and BT is now good so there is little chance of them bidding aggressively and every chance of them seizing the opportunity to reduce what they bid three years ago. And no third player has been sniffed out or it would have dropped hints to the Premier League before the League decided to request the auction be cancelled.