Former rugby league star Benny Elias has called on the Australian National Rugby League to consider acquiring struggling commercial broadcaster Channel Ten.
The future of Ten remains uncertain after news emerged of financial difficulties at the broadcaster. Last week, Ten revealed a half-year loss of A$232m (€157m/$172m) and the company is now reportedly only worth A$99.7m.
Elias, who has enjoyed a successful career in business since retiring from the game, told Australian newspaper the Daily Telegraph he will hold talks with NRL executives next week to discuss a potential takeover deal that could save the broadcaster from receivership.
“Ten needs rugby league – I believe it would be an absolute lifesaver for them. This is a blue-chip sport and Channel Ten could attain the broadcast rights by purchasing the station,” Elias said. “Let’s take on the AFL and be a leader in the business and sporting world.”
Last week, the newspaper said Ten is hoping to dislodge rival broadcaster Nine as the national rights-holder for Cricket Australia Test, one-day international and Twenty20 matches. Ten could also bid for the next cycle of Big Bash rights, from 2018 to 2022.
Elias said that with the backing of the NRL, Ten could acquire these rights and secure its future. “A $51m investment would give rugby league the majority shareholding in Network Ten on today’s market value,” he said. “It would be the greatest investment this game has achieved.
“Ten are in all sorts of strife and this is a lifeline. It’s a win-win. Sport is the backbone of all TV. Having the Big Bash, NRL, and Australia’s greatest sporting asset – [the] State of Origin [rugby league series between New South Wales and Queensland] – would be a great financial and programming winner.”
However, Elias also said Ten could sell on State of Origin rights to rival broadcasters to help recoup some of its costs.