NRL Announces Record-Breaking $5.3 Billion Broadcast Rights Deal
Quick Look
- The NRL has secured a landmark $5.3 billion broadcast rights deal over seven years, starting after the 2027 season.
- Channel Nine retains free-to-air rights, while Foxtel Group is the pay TV partner.
- The deal is hailed as the highest in Australian sporting history and aims to future-proof the league.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The NRL has finalized a new seven-year broadcast rights deal worth $5.3 billion, commencing after the 2027 season. This agreement sees Channel Nine retain free-to-air rights and Foxtel Group continue as the pay TV partner.
The NRL has revealed its new broadcast rights deal worth $5.3 billion over seven years from the end of the 2027 season.
Channel Nine retains the free-to-air rights and exclusive rights to State of Origin, while Foxtel Group remains the pay TV partner.
Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'landys touted it as the "highest-ever" broadcast deal in Australian sporting history.
"This agreement is certainly futuristic," he said.
"The deal future proofs the league for the next 20 to 50 years."
V'landys said he expects more broadcast dollars to come into the game as it expands globally.
"Our ambition is to grow the game globally and with these additional funds we'll be able to achieve that," he said.
V'landys said the primary purpose of the new deal was to "future-proof" the league by leaning into digital streaming platforms.
There are fears the extra money being paid by broadcasters will prompt them to raise subscription costs.
Foxtel Group chief executive Patrick Delany appeared to respond to criticism about rising price of Kayo subscriptions, describing it as "an investment" for viewers because money was reinvested into grassroots sport.
He was asked directly if prices would rise again, and did not answer, instead echoing V'landys's comments about trying to keep the game affordable for Australian families.
"We're completely aligned in making sure it's affordable," he said.
"I think we've got a good track record. It is very well priced."
With the Perth Bears joining the league to make the men's NRL an 18-team competition next year and the PNG Chiefs starting in 2028, an extra game will be added to each round in the 2027 season.
The new deal has taken control of the draw from the broadcasters and put it in the hands of the league, and it appears Monday night football is unlikely to make a return.
"I don't think Monday night is an option," V'landys said.
"The NRL now is responsible for the draw. We wanted to make it fair and equitable for all clubs. It's not really designed for the broadcast."
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Subscription costs for Kayo may rise due to increased broadcast fees.
Possible · Short term
Open Questions
- Will Kayo subscription prices increase?
- What is the specific plan for global expansion?
