Pro12 Managing Dir Martin Anayi "believes the competition will have a bright future" without following the "unsustainable" English and French business models, according to Chris Jones of the BBC. However, Anayi "stressed the need for an improved domestic television deal to increase money coming into the competition." Anayi: "We have got to do something about our revenues. But we don't think we have to chase after a model that is in our minds unsustainable."
Anayi added, "The tournament here is growing, we are going to improve year-on-year so when we go back to the TV market we are going to ask for a higher number." There "is not the same level of private investment compared to the English Premiership and French Top 14, who also benefit from more lucrative TV deals." This "has led to a gap in wealth and resources between the leagues." Anayi: "The difference comes in the very wealthy backers over-funding. We don't really want a model that copies [the English and French], because we want to be here in 10 or 20 years time. ... That wealthy benefactor model is only as good as that wealthy benefactor wanting to be there and carry on spending" (BBC, 8/30).
