According to French media reports the broadcaster has already brought in €47 million in advertising revenues after the quarter-finals and with the French team playing England in the semi-finals and a potential French final to come, it will make a solid return on its investment.
TF1 paid €80 million for the rights for the 2007 and 2011 Rugby World Cups, €40 million for each event. Production costs for the 2007 World Cup are reported to have cost around €10 million. TF1 has shared coverage of the 2007 tournament with cable and satellite channel Eurosport covering 28 of the 48 matches.
TF1 beat the highest ever viewing figure for a rugby match with its coverage of last Saturday’s quarter-final between France and New Zealand. The match brought in an audience of 16.6 million.
If France make the final, TF1 will sell 30 second advertising slots at €175,000. If France fail to beat England in the semi-final, the slots will still sell at €83,000.
