Sky holds all the aces in TV rights' negotiations

THE main sports organisations in Ireland are convinced the Government will have to pay compensation in line with the market value of their games if they are to succeed in securing live coverage for terrestrial TV channels.

In the case of international football the market value has been set by Sky who have agreed to pay the FAI 7.5m for exclusive rights to Ireland’s matches for four years.

The probability is that before too long Sky will also effectively establish the market value of the top matches in GAA competitions and Ireland’s international rugby matches. With three designated sports channels Sky’s appetite for live coverage of top events is voracious and, like it or not, they are prepared to pay top dollar for exclusive rights.