It has been reported that a deal is likely
The Digital, Media, Culture, and Sport (DCMS) committee has demanded answers from the Six Nations on reports that a pay-tv deal is possible.
It has asked Chairman of the Six Nations Council, John Jeffrey, to explain the timescale and operations of the bidding process. MPs have also asked for clarification on whether the BBC and ITV will be barred from making a joint bid.
Reports emerged last week that the rugby tournament could go behind a paywall for its next media rights deal, which would come into force in 2022.
The BBC and ITV currently show the Six Nations jointly, but it is alleged that the governing body will not allow another joint bid. This could open the door to Sky, who were beaten to the rights by the two free-to-air broadcasters last time round.
However, this statement could point to government action to ensure transparency during the process.
DCMS committee chair Julian Knight MP said: “It’s of huge concern to see there’s a bidding war that could take the Six Nations behind a paywall.
“Charging rugby fans to watch the tournament on TV would go against the spirit of broadcasting rules intended to ensure that sporting events like this are freely available to all.
“We’re demanding answers about the process and want reassurance about reports that suggest the favourite to win with a multi-million pound bid would take the Six Nations off terrestrial screens.
“We cannot allow this to be a deal done behind closed doors. Fans have a stake in this and a right to know what’s going on.”
Currently games involving the home nations at the Six Nations are listed as category B events by Ofcom – which means it is expected that at least highlights will be on free-to-air TV.
The last time that Sky had the rights to show Six Nations matches was from 1997-2000, when they exclusively broadcast England’s home games.