“Auld Firm” TV?
By: Matt | July 14th, 2009
Most would not expect Celtic and Rangers brass to talk to each other on a regular basis, but it seems not only has that been the case lately, they might become business partners. Rangers confirmed the club was in talks with Celtic about buying the TV rights to the SPL, following the collapse of Setanta last month. Apparently the two Glasgow Clubs were not happy with the joint Sky and ESPN bid, thought to be worth £65m over five years. A spokesman for the SPL said: “We have not received a proposal from the Old Firm in relation to our TV rights. Until we do so we are not in a position to comment on it.” Acceptance of any new deal would require all 12 clubs to vote on a formal resolution, which would have to be supported by a majority of at least eight to four.
Honestly, I have mixed feelings about this. Up to this point, in strictly financially speaking, it seems that the Celtic board has made good moves. Celtic don’t face the debt that many EPL and Rangers have right now. Having control of our television rights would make sure that we have the pick of time slots, so hopefully that would be Saturday at 3 PM. However, I am very very very very (get the point) skeptical about becoming business partners with Rangers, and for more reasons than the usual ones. Besides my clear desire to separate Celtic from the “Old Firm” tag, Rangers finances are a bit shaky. With Walter Smith saying recently that “every player” is available for sale currently, you have to wonder if a deal with Rangers would be no different than another deal with Setanta. Of course, a deal like this would likely increase the gulf between the Glasgow giants and the rest of the SPL. Details about a possible deal will likely be released in the upcoming weeks, but I have a feeling it will be a controversial process.
Category: In the Press
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I think it would be a great idea. We’d split the profits of ALL the SPL games with the Huns. Plus, like you said, the Huns are strapped, so we might put in more meaning we’d get more, OR they’d have to back out and we’d have a functioning tv contract for the SPL all to ourselves, getting all the profits.
Posted from
United States
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I don’t care if Rangers says “Here is a blank check, write whatever amount you want,” for this deal (judging by murrays finances it’d probably bounce anyways), I never want to bed fellows with the scum. Period. End of story.
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United States -
Look, I hate the Huns as much as the next Bhoy. However, this is an imense chance for Celtic. Complete control over your TV rights is something most teams would dream of, not to mention the financial opportunities that come with this. This is something that can take Celtic to another level financially. I respect your steadfast stance against Rangers, something I’d usually share with you. However, Celtic can move to another stratosphere with this move.
Posted from
United States -
To add, I would hope that if Celtic are trying to buy a player but get out bid, you remember your morals Ben.
Posted from
United States -
I can see both of your points. It is an interesting possibility, but obviously has some flaws. Of course, we could be arguing for naught, as I feel like us and the Huns will vote for it and the other 10 will strike it down with fists of fury.
Posted from
United States -
What I’m most surprised about is that some minnow club supporting “The Old Firm is killing the SPL” sword rattlers aren’t crying foul yet!
Posted from
United States -
We should not be entertaining accomindating them. Look at how the media and The Huns have spun it.
Posted from
United Kingdom
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