The Cheetahs will be offered a two-year payment from Sanzaar if they are axed from Super Rugby.
Sanzaar is set to reduce the number of teams in the tournament from 18 to 15 next season, with the Kings, Cheetahs and Rebels reportedly in the firing line.
According to the Sunday Times, the Cheetahs would receive a two-year 'sweetener', as they are still a Super Rugby entity under the current agreement.
Super Rugby franchises receive upwards of R28-million every year, with some, who accept wider responsibilities from SA Rugby getting R33-million.
A local rugby boss said earlier this week that the Kings and Cheetahs' expulsion from the tournament was a done deal, but SA Rugby president Mark Alexander told the Sunday Times that 'no decision has been taken'.
Meanwhile, in Australia, there is talk that the Brumbies and Rebels may have to form a similar partnership to the one that saw the Lions and Cheetahs form the Cats in 1998.
OPINION: Cheetahs must stay in Super Rugby
Photo: Alejandro Pagni/AFP Photo
