UK sports bodies invested a record £197.9m of broadcast revenues over the last year to grow their sport and support grassroots delivery.
The commitment forms part of the Voluntary Code of Conduct on the Broadcasting of Major Sporting Events, which is administered and supported by the Sport and Recreation Alliance. The Code requires signatories to put a minimum of 30% of net broadcasting revenues back into their respective sports and to make their events available to free-to-air broadcasters in live, recorded or highlights format so they can be viewed by as many people as possible.
The Football Association, the Rugby Football Union, The England and Wales Cricket Board, The R&A and the Lawn Tennis Association (jointly with the All England Lawn Tennis Club on behalf of The Championships, Wimbledon) were assessed as compliant with both requirements of the Code.
For this year, the Rugby Football League’s (RFL) reinvestment was slightly below the 30% level and it was therefore assessed as compliant with the accessibility principle only. However, the Committee noted the RFL’s commitment to investment in the community game and returning to full compliance in future years.
Bodies who are signatories to the accessibility principle only, and were compliant in this regard, were the European Tour, the Premier League and UK Athletics.
The reinvestment of broadcast revenues generated at the top of sport represents an important commitment by signatories to the Code to support community clubs and groups and facilitate sport and physical activity opportunities. Given the current pressures on public and personal finances, it is essential that sport sector is able to support itself through revenues generated across the pyramid. The total reinvestment this year of £197.9m is a new record amount, an increase of £24.5m compared to the previous compliance period.
Commenting on the year’s review of Code compliance, Chair Jon Zeff said:
“I am delighted that we have seen an increase to the record levels of investment into grassroots sports by signatories to the Code. Although sports have faced some difficulties financially in recent years, we are now seeing strong growth year-on-year as sports continue to recover at both elite and grassroots level. The continued reinvestment of at least 30% of broadcast revenues demonstrates a commitment by sports bodies to support the long-term development of their sports, which is vital to improving public health and wellbeing, uniting local communities and delivering societal benefits that the sector strives for.
“By ensuring that major sporting events are available free-to-air, people will continue to be inspired to participate in grassroots sport and the sector can develop the next generation of talent.”
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