WARRIORS OF WIGAN * Warriors CEO Robert McHugh noted the slow progress of IMG, saying, “We’d like to be further along.”28 June 2024
In an attempt to make rugby league more “commercially viable,” it was announced in the summer of 2022 that international sports marketing firm IMG would be working with the sport. However, after two years, this process has polarized supporters. Now that he has spoken out, Wigan Warriors CEO Kris Radlinski has acknowledged that the partnership has progressed more slowly than he would have liked.
With the goal of “strategically re-positioning the sport to maximise its commercial potential for long-term growth, build deeper relationships with fans, and attract new audiences,” IMG announced back in May 2022 that it had partnered with the RFL and Super League.
Although a lot has changed in the last two years, there are still concerns among fans and even commentators about the advancements the sport is making as a result of this new collaboration.
The Super League’s makeup in 2025 will be decided by grading criteria, which many fans find to be an extremely unpopular decision. Nevertheless, the company’s role in securing a TV deal that guarantees every Super League game is broadcast was crucial and has increased the number of people who watch the sport.
Even though grading is unpopular, it is a measure that asks all teams to improve and ensures stable foundations for clubs’ futures—something that Wigan Warriors CEO Kris Radlinski has given the sport’s first two years of alignment with IMG high marks during his evaluation.
Wigan Warriors CEO praises IMG’s commitment to raising standards
In addition to his considerable accomplishments in the field, Kris Radlinski had a brief but impressive career as a CEO. The 48-year-old has been employed by Wigan Warriors since his retirement in 2006, having played for the team his entire playing career.
He didn’t become CEO until 2023, but since then, the team has won every trophy that has been awarded to them, beginning in 2023 with the League Leaders Shield and Grand Final and continuing this year with the World Club Challenge and Challenge Cup.
Wigan Warriors was one of seven Grade A clubs according to preliminary grades, and CEO Radlinski has since discussed the agreement with IMG while being a guest on The Eddie and Stevo Podcast.
WARRIORS OF WIGANWigan Warriors CEO Robert McHugh noted the slow progress of IMG, saying, “We’d like to be further along.”28 June 2024
In an attempt to make rugby league more “commercially viable,” it was announced in the summer of 2022 that international sports marketing firm IMG would be working with the sport. However, after two years, this process has polarized supporters. Now that he has spoken out, Wigan Warriors CEO Kris Radlinski has acknowledged that the partnership has progressed more slowly than he would have liked.
With the goal of “strategically re-positioning the sport to maximise its commercial potential for long-term growth, build deeper relationships with fans, and attract new audiences,” IMG announced back in May 2022 that it had partnered with the RFL and Super League.
