The National Rugby League (NRL) is on the verge of negotiating a historic broadcast deal worth a staggering $3 billion. Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys is leading the negotiations, which are expected to include streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon.
The deal would surpass the current broadcast agreement, which expires in 2027 and is worth around $2 billion. V’landys is confident that the NRL’s growing popularity and record-breaking viewership will secure a lucrative deal.
The NRL has surpassed the Australian Football League (AFL) in terms of viewership since 2022, and V’landys believes this will translate to a significant increase in broadcast revenue. The league is also exploring the possibility of adding new teams, including a Papua New Guinean franchise, which could further boost its appeal to broadcasters.
V’landys has drawn inspiration from the National Football League’s (NFL) groundbreaking broadcast deal, which is worth $113 billion over 11 years. The NRL is considering a similar model, which would involve selling individual games or packages to different broadcasters and streaming services.
The inclusion of streaming services in the broadcast deal could provide fans with more flexible viewing options, including the possibility of watching games for a low monthly fee. V’landys has hinted that the NRL may explore this option, citing the success of streaming services in broadcasting live sports events.
Overall, the NRL’s record-breaking broadcast deal is expected to have a significant impact on the league’s finances and its ability to attract and retain top talent. With its growing popularity and increasing revenue, the NRL is poised for a bright future.