By Alan Poole, Coventry Telegraph.
March 18 2015

BT Sport are set to nearly double the price they pay for showing Aviva Premiership Rugby as part of a contract extension that will take them through to the end of the 2020/21 season.

The new boys on the broadcasting block gazumped Sky with a £152million deal in 2012 but it is understood that the new terms will involve an 80-per-cent increase in return for showing 80 live games per season instead of the current 69.

The windfall should help English clubs fend off French interest in their stars and Coventry-based Wasps are delighted with the latest boost to their coffers.

Deputy chairman Nick Eastwood said: “This new broadcast partnership is a great endorsement of the progress our sport has made since turning professional and the profile it now enjoys.

"It is a significant day for rugby and for Aviva Premiership clubs, who will benefit from a very significant increase in TV revenue from the previous domestic broadcast deal.

"This investment will create a positive impact for supporters, as Premiership clubs will be able to invest further in their stadiums, facilities and the match day experience for fans.

“BT’s long-term investment in the sport also reflects the upward curve Wasps has experienced since moving to Coventry, where attendances have tripled from an average of 5,500 at Adams Park to an average of over 17,500 at the Ricoh Arena.

"The demand for hospitality has increased by more than 500-per-cent with hospitality for the Leicester Tigers game on May 9 already close to match-day capacity.

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