Compromise On TV Coverage Between BT Sport, Sky Could Save Heineken Cup

An offer by BT Sport "to share coverage with Sky could lead to the Heineken Cup going ahead next season after 18 months of doubt over the future of the competition," according to Mark Burton of the London INDEPENDENT. Neither broadcaster "wanted to share the rights to cover the competition, but Sky might be persuaded by an offer that apparently gives them rights to the home matches of English and French clubs." England, France and Wales "look likely to sign up to an agreement drawn up by the six main unions, but there is still no great confidence that a deal can be struck, with television the key to its success." European Rugby Cup, the Heineken Cup organizers, "have a contract with Sky and Premiership rugby one with BT Sport." Under the proposed arrangement for the Heineken Cup, the Aviva Premiership, Top 14 and Pro 12 "would have control of the commercial side of the operation" (INDEPENDENT, 2/23).