Springboks, All Blacks to share R129 million Baltimore windfall
The Springboks and All Blacks stand to share an estimated $8 million more by taking their series decider to Baltimore, as rugby tests the commercial potential of staging major matches in the lucrative US market.
Baltimore, United States — The upcoming fourth and final Test between the Springboks and All Blacks, dubbed "The Money Game," stands to generate an estimated $8 million (R129,5 million) more for both teams if the match is played in the United States compared to playing in South Africa. The high-profile fixture at Baltimore's M&T Bank Stadium is expected to draw a sellout crowd of around 70,000 fans, with average ticket prices around $200 (R3,200).
South Africa leads the series 2-1 after three Tests. South Africa's chief executive, Rian Oberholzer, stated that the financial gain is crucial for the union's long-term stability and brand expansion beyond South Africa. World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin believes that the financial return should not hinder rugby from staging major matches offshore.
The match could potentially become a regular fixture leading up to the 2031 Rugby World Cup, hosted in the United States, and could expand to include other high-profile matches, such as a Six Nations game in Boston or New York. Both teams believe that playing on neutral ground will not affect the outcome, as the field dimensions remain the same and home support will be absent.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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