17 Oct, 2022 Wasps falling into administration puts over $150 million worth of Premiership Rugby TV deals at risk, says GlobalData
Posted in SportFollowing the news that Wasps Holdings Ltd has entered administration;
Conrad Wiacek, Head of Sport Analysis at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers his view:
“While over 150 employees at Wasps Holdings Ltd have now lost their jobs, including players and coaches, administrators and commercial teams, the ramifications of this could reach far beyond the club itself.
“Premiership Rugby, whose deal with BT Sport expires at the end of the 2023-24 season, could lose out on close to $100 million in revenue if fixtures are unable to be fulfilled. Additionally, international broadcasters like NBC in the US will look unfavourably at Premiership Rugby with Wasps following Worcester into administration this season alone. With Premiership Rugby trying to make strides in growing the game international, losing one of its most famous teams will dent that ambition.
“Additionally, the Wasps Holdings owned Coventry Building Society Arena, home to Coventry City FC, will likely be seen as a prize asset by anyone looking to buy the club. Given the recent turmoil in terms of ownership of the arena, most sports fans in Coventry will be hoping the situation is resolved and the venue can still play host to soccer and rugby moving forward.”