The Pro12 is "considering establishing a new franchise" in the U.S. as part of a "radical bid" to increase broadcasting revenues to prevent "an exodus of players to the lucrative England Premiership and French Top 14," according to Gavin Mairs of the London TELEGRAPH. Recent TV deals "have widened the financial gulf between the Pro12, which features clubs and regions from Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Italy, and the English and French leagues." Irish Rugby Football Union CEO Philip Browne said that the tournament "had to double or treble the revenue it generates if the clubs and regions are to remain competitive with the French and English clubs" and establishing a club in the U.S. "could tap into the American broadcasting and sponsorship markets." Browne: "The one thing we can bring to bear, as four unions, is if you operate a franchise model we can provide the coaches, we can provide the administrative expertise. We can do what is needed to get a franchise (on the east coast of the U.S.) up and running pretty quickly." The CEOs of the Pro12 teams are to meet in London next week "to consider the expansion of the league, potentially into two conferences," with European franchises in major continental footballing cities also under debate (TELEGRAPH, 7/18).
