Channel 9 has secured a new broadcast deal for women’s rugby league, earmarking 2024 as a historic year for the sport.
In a move that reinforces its commitment to women’s sport, Nine will become the exclusive broadcaster of the Women’s State of Origin series from 2024 through 2027. This announcement, made on Monday, November 13, represents a significant milestone in the visibility and growth of women’s rugby league.
The 2024 Women’s Origin series is set to make history with its expansion to a three-game format, mirroring the men’s series. This evolution marks a new chapter in the sport’s trajectory, elevating the competition and providing female athletes a larger platform.
The series is scheduled to commence in prime time on Thursday, May 16, coinciding with the Magic Round, and will continue with the subsequent games aligned with the first two men’s fixtures.
Further amplifying its dedication to the National Rugby League Women’s (NRLW), Nine’s Wide World of Sports will broadcast every game of the 2024 NRLW competition live and free. This move will undoubtedly increase the competition’s reach and audience engagement, bolstering the profile of the women’s game.
Mike Sneesby, CEO of Nine, expressed enthusiasm about the deal, stating,
“Women’s rugby league continues to flourish and we’re thrilled to showcase the pinnacle of the code, State of Origin, with exclusive, live and free coverage here on Nine all the way through until 2027.
The NRLW has risen rapidly in recent years thanks to superstars like Millie Elliot, Tamika Upton, Ali Brigginshaw and Isabelle Kelly. Nine’s Wide World of Sports will be there for every NRLW game in 2024, all live and free, as we watch the new generation emerge and put their incredible talents on display.”
The 2024 NRLW season, starting from July 25, will encompass a 45-game schedule over nine rounds. Additionally, Nine is introducing a dedicated weekly women’s rugby league show on Channel 9 and 9Now, titled NRLW Wrap, and the return of the podcast NRLW WEEKLY, hosted by Marlee Silva and Ruan Sims.
The commentary team for the 2024 NRLW season on Nine includes former Jillaroos Ruan Sims and Allana Ferguson, hosts Emma Lawrence, Danika Mason, and newcomer Marlee Silva, with additional insights from Roosters captain Millie Elliot.
They will be joined by the wider Wide World of Sports rugby league team, featuring prominent figures like Billy Slater, Andrew Johns, Cameron Smith, Darren Lockyer, and Brad Fittler.
