IMG Wins Global Broadcasting Rights For European Rugby Champions Cup

European rugby chiefs stand to net "significantly more" than £14M ($24M) "in the most lucrative worldwide broadcasting rights deal for continental competition yet," according to the PA. IMG Media "has won the tender to broker global broadcasting rights for the European Rugby Champions Cup." Industry insiders initially slapped a £14M total on the potential windfall to the European game -- but sources said that "the return is expected to be far greater." One source said, "This deal will certainly outstrip the previous worldwide television arrangements though, and early indications suggest the return will be significantly more than that £14 million figure." IMG "is confident of pulling the sales package together quickly, able to play on the number of world stars embroiled in top-end European competition." European Professional Club Rugby "signed a four-year deal with IMG Media" to sell the broadcasting rights outside the U.K., Ireland and France for the inaugural Champions Cup and Challenge Cup (PA, 6/13).