Source : ABC NEWS
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 men’s and women’s State of Origin, while Foxtel Group remains the pay TV partner.
Just as was the case in the last deal, Nine will broadcast three NRL and NRLW games every round, with all games (aside from Origin and the grand final) also aired live on Fox.
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.
Foxtel boss defends Kayo price
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.
Peter V’landys said Foxtel being bought by Dazn gave the NRL more of an international footprint. (Getty Images: Ian Hitchcock)
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,” Delany said.
“I think we’ve got a good track record. It is very well priced.”
V’landys and outgoing NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said they were trying to protect fans by offering more products and revenue for broadcasters with the hope they would not raise prices.
Foxtel Group is owned by global broadcaster Dazn and V’landys said he “ensured the price point will be protected” but admitted there were other commercial sensitivities involved.
“I need to drive volume for them and I’m gonna drive international where they’re gonna generate some significant new revenues,” V’landys said.
“I need to do things that helps them to keep the price where it is.”
Abdo said, by keeping just one pay-TV and streaming partner rather than splitting the deal across multiple streamers, fans got a better deal regardless of price.
“We could have put more content behind the paywall but we’ve gone the other way,” he said.
“Affordability and accessibility is not just about price point, it’s about how much content is freely available.
“The mix between free and pay and only having a single pay partner; these are strategic decisions the commission has made to protect fans.”
No Monday night football
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.”
PNG will be the NRL’s second team from outside Australia, after the Auckland-based Warriors, but V’landys insisted he had bigger dreams.
“Who’s to say in 2050 there’s not a team in the NRL from Europe, that’s the aim. Why isn’t there one from America? With changes in transport, changes in technology, the world’s our oyster,” he said.
“If you sit back and do nothing, you’ll perish. If you embrace technology, embrace AI, embrace everything that’s coming towards you, you’ll be successful.
“We’re gonna make sure we’re ahead of that game and be a global game, not just a Pacific game.”
