cheaper payoff?
Why use an ugly word like "bribe"? Can't we just call it a "legal settlement"? It might sound like semantics, but the one is a crime and the other is quite above board. And I think it is the best solution. Just pay EP what it is due (on the basis of SARU having promised them something that is extremely difficult to deliver), and then they can wait until 2016.
I have a feeling that in 2016, when the current TV contracts run out, there's going to have to be a major realignment anyway. I say this because of SANZAR's public musings about expanding into new markets that would enhance SupeRugby's financial situation. USA and Japan were mentioned, Argentina was also brought up. I think a Japanese team makes a lot of sense. Japan is the world's 3rd largest economy, so it's attractive from the $ end. They also have a professional Rugby league from which a SupeRugby side could be formed. The USA has the $, but no pro Rugby League, and Rugby would face stiff competition from other full-contact team sports such as Gridiron Football and (Ice) Hockey. The USA also has an unwritten rule that anything that the French are better at than the Americans can't really be a sport
Argentina has the Rugby pedigree, especially after joining the Tri-Nations (which needs a new name by the way; anyone for "Quadrophenia"?)
, but doesn't bring much $ to the table.
Anyway, getting back to the Kings topic, the article cited at the top of the thread indicated that if the Kings did not take the $ and wait until '16, the most likely scenario would be relegation of the Lions. But isn't SARU/SANZAR likely to get sued by the Lions sponsors, coaching staff, players, and anyone else that made a contract with the Lions on the understanding that they would continue to be a SupeRugby team?
So I think in the end, the question boils down to who would be cheaper to settle with, Kings or Lions? (a possibility shovenose has already brought up)
(And I think the idea of bringing back the Cats is a nonstarter, as that would just throw 3 franchises into turmoil instead of just 2)
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