A new deal that will keep Six Nations rugby on BBC and ITV is expected to be announced in the next few days.
It had been anticipated the annual tournament would go to pay-TV after private equity firm CVC bought a 14% stake for £365 million. Amazon, Sky Sports and BT Sport were seen as the most likely bidders.
The Daily Telegraph reported Wednesday the new deal would cost the two Public Service Broadcasters (PSBs) between £90 million current being paid and £150 million that had been previously reported.
Earlier this week it was confirmed all three Six Nations Championships (Men’s Guinness Six Nations, Women’s Six Nations and Men’s Under 20’s tournaments) would be shared in Ireland between RTÉ and Virgin Media Television with the latter expanding its coverage to include the Women’s Six Nations and Men’s Under 20’s Championships for the first time.