The NRL will consider granting existing clubs perpetual licences on the condition that they follow the lead of the new Queensland franchise and agree to spend a mandated amount of money on growing the participation of the sport.
The three prospective franchises have been told that they must commit a minimum level of funding to junior development to qualify for a licence to ensure growth at grassroots level. A similar discussion is set to commence with existing clubs, who have been in ongoing negotiations with head office in relation to perpetual licences. The 16 current clubs all have licences until the end of 2023, which coincides with the end of the current free-to-air broadcast deal.
“You don’t have to go and play at the elite levels to participate in our game. But once you participate, you become a rusted-on fan, an avid or engaged fan.“The more people we get to participate, the more eyeballs we give to our broadcasters and the more revenue that generates. The Panthers are considered the gold standard in nurturing talent; they have tapped into a huge junior base in Penrith, coupled with a push into NSW’s central west, which has paid rich dividends. Many of the stars of the club’s grand final triumph can be considered homegrown.
proshenks And of course the clubs are to be trusted to keep their word?