Leeds United could now clinch ‘triple-your-money’ deal – Keith Wyness
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has insisted Leeds United and other American-owned sides will play a key role in growing the EFL in the United States.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – insisted the EFL can follow the Premier League by “tripling” the value of their TV rights package in the US with the right marketing.
NBC’s current agreement with the English top-flight was signed in 2021 and is worth $2.7 billion (£2billion), almost tripling the previous deal with the broadcaster.
Earlier this month, the EFL signed a new exclusive deal with CBS to show games in the US until 2028 after ending their agreement with ESPN.
Games will be shown on the Paramount+ platform, which already brings Champions League football to North American viewers.
Leeds and Birmingham could land EFL ‘triple-your-money’ deal, says Wyness
Wyness claimed the storylines behind the American ownership of clubs like Leeds, Birmingham and Burnley will “compel” US viewers.
He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “This is very interesting.
“NBC have had a huge success story with the Premier League. Ratings have gone through the roof, and they realised pretty quickly that they had a winner on their hands.
“CBS are trying to imitate that with the EFL. With the American owners coming into English clubs now, you can imagine – it’s a story every time Leeds are mentioned.
“The San Francisco 49ers will be mentioned as well. Tom Brady is at Birmingham, JJ Watt at Burnley – there’s a lot of American ties.
“There are stories around the games which weren’t there before.
“It gets the American fan much more interested. It’s very compelling.
“I think the quality of the Championship is good enough to survive.
“The market is ready for it. It’s going to be a very strong market.
“The NBC deal with the Premier League tripled last time it was renewed, and the CBS one will too if the viewing numbers can be substantiated.
“If they use these backstories properly, and get the right presenters – they can see the viewership grow.
“They can carve their own niche, and there’s a great chance for the EFL to produce a second level of football dominance in America.”
In other news, Leeds race to sign Premier League star after £12million twist.
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