Australian Football League Players Association President Luke Ball said that "the union will soon turn its attention to securing a slice of an expected broadcast rights bonanza, a move that has club chiefs nervous," according to Jon Pierik of THE AGE. Club bosses "have privately expressed concerns the players will ask for too much when the new broadcast rights deal is settled later this year -- a year ahead of its expiration." The AFL hopes for a five-year contract worth about A$1.7B ($1.3B), up from the current deal of $1.25B. Clubs believe that "more money needs to be directed their way, particularly to those struggling to make a profit." AFLPA CEO Paul Marsh "confirmed the union will again push for a set percentage of the league's revenues, when discussions over a new collective bargaining agreement open later this year." Those discussions "will have greater clarity when the broadcast rights deal is finalised." The association's attempt to secure a set 25% of revenue "was rejected by the AFL four years ago" (THE AGE, 1/12).
