Rachel Wyse: tipped to present GAA on Sky Sports.
A GAA “pay for view” deal with satellite broadcaster Sky will damage the integrity and image of the sport, a local election candidate has claimed.
Derry Sinn Féin representative Liam Friel has expressed concern that GAA chiefs are considering such a deal with Sky.
Sky Sports are believed to be at an advanced state of negotiations with Croke Park to enter the market in a deal that will feature a range of broadcasters, as the GAA looks to expand their international coverage to benefit the Irish abroad and as a means to increase revenue.
The most recent TV deal is believed to be worth around €10m per annum to the GAA, but experts anticipate this figure would increase significantly if a wider overseas audience was reached.
The deal is understood to mean that the Sky package would feature up to 10 games, including two All-Ireland quarter-finals, but it is not clear whether Sky’s bid is combined with that of another broadcaster.
GAA viewers would face subscription charges if Sky is awarded exclusive rights to a particular television package.
RTE will continue to in its position as the main rights holder, despite several broadcasters showing interest in entering the market.
A deal with Setanta to show Saturday night Allianz League games has already concerned many GAA fans.
Expressing concern about the proposed deal, Mr Friel said while he fully understood the GAA must consider all options when it cameto funding, he believed a “pay for view” deal with Sky would damage the integrity and image of the GAA.
He added: “The GAA holds a unique and special place in Irish society. It is open, inclusive and accessible. GAA games are followed by households the length and breadth of the country. To move to pay per view will make them less accessible.
Concerned: Liam Friel.
“While the grass roots may benefit from a deal, it will be seen as giving with one hand while taking with the other.”
Mr Friel concluded: “The GAA will rightly, as always, make its own decision but I hope they will reconsider the terms of a pay per view Sky deal.”
Meanwhile, bookie Paddy Power has suspended betting on who Sky Sports will choose to be their main anchor on their GAA coverage.
The bookmakers have closed betting in its North Dublin shops because of a string of large bets on Rachael Wyse for the job.
The bookie had installed the Dubliner as its Evens favourite when it opened the betting on Friday, but were forced to slash her odds into 1/10 before pulling the plug following relentless backing yesterday.
A spokesperson for Paddy Power said: “This looks to be the mother of all one horse races in the eyes of our bettors as we’ve taken over €1,500 on Wyse and not a bean elsewhere.
“Punters seemed to be willing to back her at any price and we’re definitely running scared on this one.”
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