Top 14 / Pro D2 – TV rights, loan system, agent remuneration: other issues on the table

• Distribution of TV rights

Canal + pays the LNR the sum of 113.6 million euros each year to exclusively broadcast the Top 14, as well as 8 million euros for Pro D2. from 2027, these amounts will increase to 128.7 million for the Top 14 and 10.7 for the Pro D2. A nice revaluation which is to be put to the assets of the balance sheet of the president of the LNR, René Bouscatel.
Over the past 18 months, the distribution of these rights has also increased from 60% to 70% for the Top 14, with Pro D2 sharing the remaining 30% (compared to 40% previously). This new breakdown has raised some eyebrows, particularly among the presidents of Pro D2 clubs with modest budgets, for whom TV rights weigh heavily on finances. But, while the reform begins to be accepted, it seems that the LNR wishes to modify it again to grant itself part of the future increase in rights (17.8 million euros) for various financing still to be determined. To the great dismay of the president of Pau, Bernard Pontneau who, according to our information, informed his counterparts that he was fundamentally against. He obtained the support of several of his colleagues, who found that the institution took up more and more space and cost more and more. This subject, if it will not be the first raised, will be brought to the discussion table and could relaunch the debate on the distribution of TV rights. “We are going to the front”told us this Sunday evening a president of Pro D2 who is polishing his weapons. The idea is to reduce the nest egg made up by the LNR to deal with possible hazards and to distribute as much money as possible to the clubs who need it…

• Removal or limitation of the loan of players in training

According to the Nexa S&A study, player loans are becoming more and more significant. They constitute a payroll management instrument for clubs close to the “Salary cap” ceiling. Especially among the residents of the Top 14 training centers… The elite clubs send their high-potential player to train most often in Pro D2, or in the National. It would be a win-win: the players, as the financial audit firm points out, obtain playing time that the original club does not always guarantee. However, in Pro D2, some presidents are starting to complain and would like in the near future, these loans to be, if not eliminated, at least limited in number. Because, in the medium term, this mainly serves the Top 14 clubs, who make savings in terms of payroll and see their players develop before recovering them the following season, or even in the current one if the need arises. made to feel. “It is time to regulate these practices which are multiplying because, in the end, we saw off the branch of the tree on which we are sitting”a president of Pro D2 told us on condition of anonymity, for fear of no longer being loaned players by his Top 14 counterparts. An observation that the report on the Salary Cap also notes: “Loans are primarily intended for Pro D2 and lower divisions (68 to 91% of total loans during the 2021-2024 period). Loans from hopeful players represent at least 45% of total loans. »

• Agent remuneration: negotiations at a standstill

This is another subject that is talked about behind the scenes of French Rugby: the terms of remuneration of sports agents. Several Top 14 presidents had, in recent months, expressed the wish to place the burden of their commissions on the players, whom the agents actually represent in recruitment or extension negotiations. A subject which obviously tensed the debates, with the players' unions (Provale) and agents (Intervals) who quickly took to the front to express their disapproval. Faced with the blockage, the idea of ​​tripartite “club-player-agent” contracts was put forward. According to our information, this should not succeed, with the fear that this will be integrated into the Salary cap. The multiplicity of constraints prevents the subject from moving forward. And although it will be debated again this week in Lyon, the status quo remains the most likely outcome.