So how would that work? Pitch International could pitch it to all potential broadcasters at the outset I suppose, but Pay TV wouldn't be able to bid until after the 12 week period prior to the game has expired to see if any of the FTA broadcasters pick it up?
If an FTA organisation takes up the coverage, I suppose it is then up to them to consider offering to share it with Fox or someone similar, or to keep it exclusively.
If not picked up by FTA, what would stop one of the Pay platforms bidding on an exclusive basis if that is what they want and are able to offer an amount that PI found to their liking? Isn't that what has happened in the case of all the eoyt tests, where BeIN Sports has won the exclusive right to televise the Celtic games after none of the FTA broadcasters wanted it?
In effect, if the Pay platform wins the right after none of the FTA orgs have exercised their prior right, then the anti-siphoning legislation no longer has any effect.
All very complicated. I'd be more content I think if the anti-siphoning legislation just didn't exist in the first place. At least in terms of overseas rugby, the FTA channels have fairly clearly indicated they are not interested, and it would be much simpler all round if the rights could be auctioned to all interested parties at the outset.