ESPN HAS SECURED the American TV rights for the Guinness Pro14 for the next three seasons.
The new deal means the Pro14 will be shown in the US on the streaming service ESPN+, as well as ESPN’s television networks, up until 2021.
Leinster are the defending Pro14 champions. Source: Inpho/Billy Stickland
It’s a positive announcement for the Pro14 ahead of the 2018/19 season kicking off this evening with Leinster’s visit to the Cardiff Blues and the Ospreys hosting Edinburgh.
News of ESPN’s move to secure the broadcasting rights is also likely to be greeted enthusiastically by an ever-growing rugby fanbase in the US.
The Pro14 has new primary broadcasting partners in eir Sport and Premier Sports this season, and while the revenue from this deal with ESPN is not close to the value of those, The42 understands that it is the most lucrative deal for rugby TV rights in the US yet.
While it appears that the Pro14′s hopes of expanding to include an American franchise have cooled for the immediate future as they focus on South Africa, the US remains an increasingly attractive market.
With Major League Rugby having enjoyed an encouraging first season in 2018 and the US Eagles impressing in a June Test series that included victory over Scotland, rugby continues to grow in the States.
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The Pro14 provinces, regions and clubs are sure to welcome the new ESPN deal as an opportunity to gain new supporters in America.
Indeed, it’s understood that some of the Irish provinces have already held informal discussions with clubs in the US about establishing stronger links in the future.