Belinda Moore, the Chief Executive of Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR), holds the belief that the league is making significant strides in its journey towards professionalization. This positive development follows the league’s rebranding and its recent securing of a domestic broadcast deal with TNT Sports, signifying a pivotal moment for the sport.
Under Moore’s guidance, PWR is dedicated to fulfilling the Rugby Football Union’s ten-year strategy to further professionalize women’s rugby union in England. The league has taken crucial steps, including its rebranding from Allianz Premier 15s earlier this year and the establishment of a new company to oversee the competition in close partnership with the RFU.
While the league has made promising progress, it still encounters the challenge of operating within its financial means, particularly as it strives to make clubs profitable and increase player salaries. Moore has emphasized the significance of elevating the sport’s profile to attract more local sponsors and to ensure that more funds are directed towards the players. Despite the restrictions imposed by the current remuneration cap, she remains optimistic about the league’s sustainable growth.
PWR’s new broadcast deal with TNT Sports is anticipated to enhance the visibility of the competition, creating opportunities for sponsorship and expanding the league’s reach. Despite the league’s content not being currently available on free-to-air platforms following its agreement with the BBC, Moore has stressed the prioritization of finding a free-to-air broadcast partner. Furthermore, the long-term plan is to launch a centralized streaming platform to further engage fans and to showcase the league’s games.
In addition to broadcasting, Moore is exploring initiatives to promote the league and its players, such as the Powered Differently photo series, which celebrates diversity and body positivity. The league’s efforts to generate interest have already attracted significant attention, drawing potential sponsors and partners.
Looking ahead, the Rugby World Cup in 2025 presents a significant opportunity for PWR to further elevate the sport. Moore is focused on ensuring that the league is well-prepared to capitalize on this milestone event, which has the potential to significantly raise the profile of women’s rugby.
Despite the growth and potential for external investment, Moore clarified that private equity investment is not currently being considered for PWR. The immediate priority is to build a solid foundation for the sport and to position the league for future success.
As the league continues on its path towards professionalization, Moore remains optimistic about the wealth of opportunities on the horizon and is committed to ensuring that PWR is primed to seize them. The journey of Premiership Women’s Rugby is an exciting one, one filled with promise and potential for the future.