NRL News: Telstra denies reports of terminating NRL sponsorship

Telstra downplayed reports that it is considering to terminate the company’s long-time sponsorship with the National Rugby League. Telstra, Australia’s largest telecommunication company, was reported to have considered ending a 17-season long partnership with NRL after the company was blindsided by the rugby league’s new TV deal with Channel Nine earlier this month.

News Corp Australia reported that the telco giant was looking to not renew its naming-rights sponsorship and would only seek a minor role in the code. However, Telstra denied the reports, saying that the company is in a dialogue with the NRL regarding an extension to its current deal.

"Reports that Telstra is looking to not renew our NRL naming rights are untrue," a Telstra spokesperson said, The Australian Financial Review disclosed. "We are proud of what we have built with the NRL to date and are in negotiations to continue our partnership beyond 2017.”

Telstra group managing director of media and marketing Joe Pollard confirmed the company is still interested in a range of sports with the NRL, which it has digital rights for. An NRL spokesperson, on the other hand, also validated Telstra’s intent to continue its partnership with the rugby league, describing the company as a “long-term and valued partner.”

NRL completed a deal worth AU$925 million with Channel Nine, but the league was reportedly in a setback over fears of Telstra tearing up the title sponsor agreement, which could rename the well-known NRL Telstra Premiership. The report surfaced after Telstra was blindsided by NRL’s new TV rights deal, prompting the telco company to be part of the largest commitment to any football code through the AFL’s record AU$2.508 billion TV and digital rights deal, along with News Corp and Seven West Media.

Meanwhile, NRL clubs claimed they are united behind the league and chief executive Dave Smith following a meeting of club chairpersons on Monday. According to SBS, Melbourne Storm chairman Bart Campbell issued a statement on behalf of the clubs, shooting down reports that NRL clubs were dissatisfied with the league, and were considering breaking away to form their own competition. "Despite speculation to the contrary, all 16 clubs are united in our approach and we look forward to continuing these discussions with the NRL in a timely manner," the statement said.

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