[Archived] Could the Sky fall?

[Stuart]

So here's my quandary.

Sky's grip on the PL since it's inception has seen finances rocket upward but is it possible that the current News International scandal could ultimately bring about the death of football as we know it?

Although there is still a way to go, could Murdoch's empire become so badly damaged that it begins to fail, the share price drops, forcing austerity measures, and the money that BSkyB pump into football could be withdrawn, or at least reduced significantly at the end of this deal?

Or is football still such a profitable business that BSkyB makes enough money out of the deal for it to be insulated against any NI group problems?

Even if ITV, ESPN or Virgin were to come in, the total package would surely be less than at present. What would be the repercussions? For instance, are player wages tied in to TV deal income and could therefore be reduced in this event? That may reduce our liabilities but could players to seek transfers to better paying clubs?

Previously I would have said that Rovers could profit from such a scenario but if rumours of a mortgage against future income are to be believed, could this actually mean we end up suffering further?

It's certainly given me a fresh take on the NI scandal, if nothing else.

[thenodrog]

So here's my quandary.

Sky's grip on the PL since it's inception has seen finances rocket upward but is it possible that the current News International scandal could ultimately bring about the death of football as we know it?

I live in hope Jisty.

[glen9mullan]

So here's my quandary.

Sky's grip on the PL since it's inception has seen finances rocket upward but is it possible that the current News International scandal could ultimately bring about the death of football as we know it?

Although there is still a way to go, could Murdoch's empire become so badly damaged that it begins to fail, the share price drops, forcing austerity measures, and the money that BSkyB pump into football could be withdrawn, or at least reduced significantly at the end of this deal?

Or is football still such a profitable business that BSkyB makes enough money out of the deal for it to be insulated against any NI group problems?

Even if ITV, ESPN or Virgin were to come in, the total package would surely be less than at present. What would be the repercussions? For instance, are player wages tied in to TV deal income and could therefore be reduced in this event? That may reduce our liabilities but could players to seek transfers to better paying clubs?

Previously I would have said that Rovers could profit from such a scenario but if rumours of a mortgage against future income are to be believed, could this actually mean we end up suffering further?

It's certainly given me a fresh take on the NI scandal, if nothing else.

Had this chat with my wife last night and I agree all this scandal ect could have wide spread reprecussions for football, IF the NOTW can fall so quickly and people are taking their lives over it, it is a serious worry which must not be underestimated.

Obviously others would smell the opportunity to get in on the act with their own deals to own the rights, but with not the spending power of SKY it would be at a much lower price.

I hope this never becomes a reality, but if I was one of the clubs who are current;y recieving SKYS cash I would be keeping a watchful eye on what is unfolding daily,

Worrying times?

[jim mk2]

.

I hope this never becomes a reality,

On the contrary, I hope it happens. Rovers might suffer but anything that reduces the power of the so-called big clubs, reduces the amount of money washing around the game in the pockets of agents and players, leads to the demise of the wretched Champions League and results in a complete restructuring of the whole rotten structure, is to be welcomed.

[michaelthomas]

'wretched Champions League'?

You really are a fool. How anyone can be against a competition which enables millions upon millions to easily watch the best footballing sides go against each other is beyond me.

[Speedie Dived]

I think you only have to look at the SPL and Championship to see the affect that the collapse of Setanta had. Now granted it is on a lesser scale and someone eventually stepped in, all be it, at a reduced rate.

The world is without doubt a different place today than it was back then and if Sky did pull the plug then the vultures would circle, but would not come anywhere near what Sky pay now.

But as stated above, is this a bad thing?

The Champions league would not really be affected. As far as i am aware Sky only operate in UK, Germany and Italy?

If i was a betting man, i would predict that 99% of players would see their contracts out, clubs would try and bin their highest earners abroad, some clubs would hit the wall and then out of the ashes would be born a most rare and unusual commodity...............A cheap English footballer.

[jim mk2]

'wretched Champions League'?

You really are a fool. How anyone can be against a competition which enables millions upon millions to easily watch the best footballing sides go against each other is beyond me.

Because it concentrates power, wealth and influence in a few clubs in this country, to the detriment of clubs like Rovers. Why do you think we lost Phil Jones ?

It has led to the dimunition of the FA Cup, the League Cup, the demise of the Uefa Cup and European Cup-winners Cup, and the players are so knackered by summer it has buggered up the World Cup.

And until it reaches the later knockout stages (the old European Cup), it's also a crashing bore.

I suggest you look at yourself before calling others foolish.

Sky going down the plughole might not affect the Champions League, but we can but hope.

[Speedie Dived]

'wretched Champions League'?

You really are a fool. How anyone can be against a competition which enables millions upon millions to easily watch the best footballing sides go against each other is beyond me.

There are millions of people against the Champions League, there are millions of people against the Premier League.

They key word you used is competition. As soon as people feel it's not one, then it begins to die.

[broadsword]

Because it concentrates power, wealth and influence in a few clubs in this country, to the detriment of clubs like Rovers. Why do you think we lost Phil Jones ?

It has led to the dimunition of the FA Cup, the League Cup, the demise of the Uefa Cup and European Cup-winners Cup, and the players are so knackered by summer it has buggered up the World Cup.

And until it reaches the later knockout stages (the old European Cup), it's also a crashing bore.

I suggest you look at yourself before calling others foolish.

Sky going down the plughole might not affect the Champions League, but we can but hope.

Amen.

[DavidMailsTightPerm]

Sky is built on the Premiership - and vice versa. However, if Sky were to lose the Premiership I am sure there would be plenty of takers. The ridiculous amounts of money paid for overseas rights show that another company - seeing the possibility to dominate the British Satellite market in the same way Sky have - would pay to keep the whole merry-go round rolling.

[Speedie Dived]

Because it concentrates power, wealth and influence in a few clubs in this country, to the detriment of clubs like Rovers. Why do you think we lost Phil Jones ?

It has led to the dimunition of the FA Cup, the League Cup, the demise of the Uefa Cup and European Cup-winners Cup, and the players are so knackered by summer it has buggered up the World Cup.

And until it reaches the later knockout stages (the old European Cup), it's also a crashing bore.

I suggest you look at yourself before calling others foolish.

Sky going down the plughole might not affect the Champions League, but we can but hope.

That is about as good a summary of why the Champions League is not all it's cracked up to be as you are going to get. I have often wondered though, had we not peaked until a few years later in the 90's and capitalised on the new Champ's league money, would i have felt the same? One thing's for sure, we would not be in this ruddy mess now.

[Stuart]

'wretched Champions League'?

You really are a fool. How anyone can be against a competition which enables millions upon millions to easily watch the best footballing sides go against each other is beyond me.

It's only a good competition for those who are in it. The CL clique is in part what has made football the self-destructive machine that it I'd today, and caused people like Venkys, Abramovich, the Glazers et al, consider owning a football club in the first place.

That competion either needs to go pop or breakaway altogether from domestic football.

It would certainly be interesting if the money was suddenly wiped out of football one way or another. I just hope that Rovers would survive. I also wonder if it would simultaneously make Rovers both more cost-effective... and less desirable, to Venkys?

[Speedie Dived]

Sky is built on the Premiership - and vice versa. However, if Sky were to lose the Premiership I am sure there would be plenty of takers. The ridiculous amounts of money paid for overseas rights show that another company - seeing the possibility to dominate the British Satellite market in the same way Sky have - would pay to keep the whole merry-go round rolling.

Who was in for Premiership football the last time the TV rights became available? Be interesting to see. I just think with a big player out of the way, the money would have to drop.

[Stuart]

Sky is built on the Premiership - and vice versa. However, if Sky were to lose the Premiership I am sure there would be plenty of takers. The ridiculous amounts of money paid for overseas rights show that another company - seeing the possibility to dominate the British Satellite market in the same way Sky have - would pay to keep the whole merry-go round rolling.

But the money wouldn't be nearly as much as it is now surely? The model already appears unsustainable. I certainly wouldn't take out a mortgage on the back of PL TV income, in the current climate.

P.S. Great post Jim. (The second one).

[philipl]

BSkyB's ownership is remaining unchanged for the foreseeable future unless NI is deemed unfit to hold 39%. It seems likely James Murdoch will be relieved of the Chairmanship of BSkyB shortly but fundamentally Sky will remain unchanged by this.

However, there are monopoly issues including feeds to pubs going through the Courts which probably mean that the current Sky deal just starting is a high watermark for domestic fees for PL. That said, the PL income from overseas rights are likely to rise by more than Sky fees fall.

[PAFELL]

BSkyB's ownership is remaining unchanged for the foreseeable future unless NI is deemed unfit to hold 39%. It seems likely James Murdoch will be relieved of the Chairmanship of BSkyB shortly but fundamentally Sky will remain unchanged by this.

However, there are monopoly issues including feeds to pubs going through the Courts which probably mean that the current Sky deal just starting is a high watermark for domestic fees for PL. That said, the PL income from overseas rights are likely to rise by more than Sky fees fall.

To add to the debate, with what is happening with murdoch, could he get so peeved about the situation. Added to the programme by dispatches the other day - if what was said is true. Could he not think that there is another bombshell on the way, and consider not renewing prem football contracts and concentrate on another league instead.

[RovertheHill]

I fear that much like the MP's expenses scandal in 6 months none of this will be remembered and NI's share price will be back where it was. As for the guy who called people a fool for not liking the champions league - clearly doesn't understand the damage that "competition" has done to competition. I would say this - google G14 and see how many finalists in the history of the champions league are from outside this group...

[philipl]

To add to the debate, with what is happening with murdoch, could he get so peeved about the situation. Added to the programme by dispatches the other day - if what was said is true. Could he not think that there is another bombshell on the way, and consider not renewing prem football contracts and concentrate on another league instead.

It isn't his decision alone- he only holds 39%.

There is another bombshell quite possibly coming.

The hackers who put the suicide of Rupert on the Sky home page apparently got into Rebekah Brooks' and other executives' emails and are packaging 6GB of material for release shortly.

[PAFELL]

It isn't his decision alone- he only holds 39%.

There is another bombshell quite possibly coming.

The hackers who put the suicide of Rupert on the Sky home page apparently got into Rebekah Brooks' and other executives' emails and are packaging 6GB of material for release shortly.

Ok. He may hold 39%, But sadly people listen to him. Therefore he could influence them. Maybe that is where the danger lies.

[cruz]

Because it concentrates power, wealth and influence in a few clubs in this country, to the detriment of clubs like Rovers. Why do you think we lost Phil Jones ?

It has led to the dimunition of the FA Cup, the League Cup, the demise of the Uefa Cup and European Cup-winners Cup, and the players are so knackered by summer it has buggered up the World Cup.

And until it reaches the later knockout stages (the old European Cup), it's also a crashing bore.

I suggest you look at yourself before calling others foolish.

Sky going down the plughole might not affect the Champions League, but we can but hope.

Amen Brother

We live in hope Jim

[Hughesy]

Simple answer NO.

Sky could falter but other TV stations will still want the prem. ESPN Star in Asia and massive american companies looking to take over the UK market would also want our rights.

[philipl]

Simple answer YES.

The PL has progressively lost its superstar players and the French and German leagues are getting financially stronger.

Who knows what the competitive position will look in three years' time especially if Chelsea and Man City get their wings clipped by the UEFA Fair Play rules.

[thenodrog]

'wretched Champions League'?

You really are a fool. How anyone can be against a competition which enables millions upon millions to easily watch the best footballing sides go against each other is beyond me.

Well done michaelthomas.... you've used the perfect emoticon to highlight your post.

That is about as good a summary of why the Champions League is not all it's cracked up to be as you are going to get. I have often wondered though, had we not peaked until a few years later in the 90's and capitalised on the new Champ's league money, would i have felt the same? One thing's for sure, we would not be in this ruddy mess now.

It's a bonfire. The more you chuck on the faster it is consumed. Look at the debt of the Champions league clubs in this country alone. It's a curse. An addiction even.

http://image.guardian.co.uk/sys-files/Guardian/documents/2011/05/18/sportscribddoc.pdf

One day the chickens will surely have to come home to roost.

[American]

BSkyB's ownership is remaining unchanged for the foreseeable future unless NI is deemed unfit to hold 39%. It seems likely James Murdoch will be relieved of the Chairmanship of BSkyB shortly but fundamentally Sky will remain unchanged by this.

However, there are monopoly issues including feeds to pubs going through the Courts which probably mean that the current Sky deal just starting is a high watermark for domestic fees for PL. That said, the PL income from overseas rights are likely to rise by more than Sky fees fall.

Pretty much sums it up perfectly.

[BangkokRover]

Who knows what the competitive position will look in three years' time especially if Chelsea and Man City get their wings clipped by the UEFA Fair Play rules.

Can't see UEFA going anywhere near Chelsea or Man City. I have been reading up on the rules and they are far from watertight. If its helpful I post a short guide to the FairPlay Rules?