The NRL, Australia’s top-tier rugby league competition, has announced a record domestic media rights agreement with Foxtel, Nine Network, and Sky New Zealand worth A$5.3 billion ($3.7 billion).
The new seven-year contract, which runs through 2034, is claimed to be the largest broadcast and media partnership in Australian sporting history.
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The agreement will begin in 2028 and represents a 90% uplift per annum compared to the current deal and returns control of competition scheduling and structure to the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC).
ARLC chairman Peter V’landys AM said: “Today marks a defining moment for rugby league. The Commission has worked hard in the last five years to make the game more entertaining for our fans, effectively doubling our audience. Our players and clubs that made this possible will now be justifiably rewarded.
“This agreement is the largest commercial deal ever secured by an Australian sport, but its significance goes well beyond the financial outcome. It returns the draw back to the NRL and will ensure fair and equitable scheduling for all clubs. It also gives us greater flexibility to shape the future of the game and ensures more fans can access rugby league than ever before.
“We entered these negotiations with a clear objective — secure long-term growth while retaining control of the things that matter most. We have achieved that outcome.
As part of the new deal, incumbent rightsholder and pay-TV heavyweight Foxtel will continue to televise all NRL and NRLW Premiership matches, including all NRL and NRLW Finals Series matches.
Free-to-air commercial broadcaster Nine, which also currently holds domestic NRL rights, will provide exclusive coverage of the NRL Grand Final and both the men’s and women’s State of Origin Series, and will simulcast three weekly NRL and NRLW fixtures.
Meanwhile, pay-TV giant Sky NZ will show over 130 fixtures on its free platforms.
In addition, the deal includes an “innovative” revenue-sharing and marketing agreement on international rights with Foxtel.
Andrew Abdo, NRL chief executive, described the deal as a reflection of rugby league's growth and the market's confidence in the sport’s future.
He said: “This agreement reflects the strength of rugby league today and confidence in where the game can go next. It is the result of years of planning, discipline, and execution by the Commission as we positioned the game to maximise its value in a rapidly changing media landscape.
“The outcome gives us the certainty, flexibility, and resources to pursue ambitious growth opportunities across every level of the game.
“Rugby league is now in the best possible position for further expansion and continued growth from a community level through to the international stage.
“Most importantly, it gives the game greater control over how rugby league is produced, distributed, and experienced, ensuring fans remain at the centre of every decision we make.”
