The NRL isn’t changing channels anytime soon, with yesterday’s record breaking media rights announcement locking Nine and Foxtel in for the long haul under the richest broadcast deal in Australian sporting history.
For fans, that’s largely good news. More matches, more coverage and greater access are on the way, but anyone hoping the next rights cycle would usher in a fresh broadcaster or a radically different take on rugby league coverage may be left wanting.
Announced yesterday, the ARLC’s record $5.3 billion agreement with Foxtel Group, Nine and Sky NZ runs from the 2028 season until the end of 2034, extending long standing partnerships while delivering a significant financial boost to the game.
The deal keeps Kayo Sports and Foxtel as the subscription home of every NRL and NRLW home and away match, while Nine retains the sport’s biggest free to air events including State of Origin, the NRL Grand Final, finals football and three live NRL matches each week.
The agreement also returns control of competition scheduling and structure to the ARLC, while increasing annual revenue to the game by 90 per cent compared with the current rights agreement.
Foxtel will expand its exclusive live match offering as the competition grows to 20 teams, increase the number of matches available in 4K and continue investing in broadcast innovation, while DAZN will distribute NRL matches across more than 200 international markets.
ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AM said the agreement was about far more than the record price tag, giving the game greater control while creating new opportunities for future growth.
“This agreement is the largest commercial deal ever secured by an Australian sport, but its significance goes well beyond the financial outcome.”
Foxtel Group CEO Patrick Delany said the renewed partnership secures the company’s position as the home of rugby league for years to come while allowing further investment in innovation and the fan experience.
“This renewed NRL partnership is a great outcome for the game, fans and our subscribers and maintains Kayo Sports and Foxtel as the home of NRL and live sport in Australia well into the next decade.”
Nine Chief Executive Officer Matt Stanton said extending the partnership reinforces the broadcaster’s strategy of investing in premium live sport while ensuring the game’s biggest moments remain available free to Australians.
“As our partnership with the NRL enters its fourth decade, this agreement reinforces Nine’s long term strategy of investing in premium live sport and the moments that matter most.”
For viewers, the biggest takeaway is that rugby league’s biggest events aren’t moving anywhere. Fans will benefit from broader coverage, expanded NRLW commitments and more viewing options, but after months of speculation, the next era of NRL broadcasting will look remarkably familiar.
Watch the announcement in the player below.
