ARLC, NRL Clubs Set To Sign Funding Pact From Broadcasting Deal

The Australian Rugby League Commission and the recently formed Club Council are set to "meet to finalise a massive increase" in the National Rugby League's grant for next season, according to Brent Read of THE AUSTRALIAN. The parties are "ready to finalise an agreement that will guarantee the financial future" of the league's 16 clubs. Currently, the clubs receive just less than A$4M ($4.1M) a season, but that number "could jump as high as A$7M next season" as the commission begins spreading the game's A$1.025B broadcasting deal. Across the 16 clubs, "it would amount to an investment of roughly A$112M." The parties "are expected to agree on a figure for '13 only," followed by further negotiation over the size of the grant for subsequent years. With next year's grant to be confirmed, the game "should be in a position to nail down the salary cap for the same time." Clubs have already reached an agreement to act on a A$5M salary cap for next year, although that figure is yet to be ratified by the Rugby League Players' Association (THE AUSTRALIAN, 10/23).