Premier League side Newcastle United’s financial future reportedly "hinges on the imminent new Premier League TV deal, with would-be owner Amanda Staveley’s next offer to Mike Ashley dependent on how much cash the broadcasters are willing to pay," according to Ian Herbert of the London DAILY MAIL. Staveley has "
no intention of walking away from her attempt to buy the club" despite "public attacks on her" by Ashley. It is reportedly "now unlikely that a renewed offer will be made by her and PCP Capital Partners" until the winners of the '19-22 domestic rights are known, by the end of next month. Analysts "believe that the new deal will bring a further increase" on the current £5.1B ($7B) domestic rights and are convinced that Ashley "is deliberately stalling on negotiations with Staveley," knowing that a "big new settlement will drive up the price of the club." Staveley had hoped to do a deal before '18, "ahead of negotiations for the new TV deal." Falling viewing figures for live games "has created uncertainty about this round of TV rights," though some sources believe that there may be a 10% uplift. That "would mean Staveley having to improve her offer to Ashley, which she is ready to do." An analyst said, "If Ashley sits and waits for the new TV deal, he knows the value of the club will probably go up" (
DAILY MAIL, 1/22).
