Australian Rugby League Commission Secures $5.3 Billion Media Rights Deal with Foxtel, Nine, and Sky NZ

The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) has announced a seven-year media rights agreement with Foxtel Group, Nine, and Sky NZ valued at $5.3 billion, beginning in 2028. The deal represents a 90% increase in annual cash revenue compared to the current agreement and returns competition scheduling and structure to the ARLC.

Today marks a defining moment for rugby league. The Commission has worked hard in the last five years to make the game more entertaining for our fans, effectively doubling our audience. Our Players and Clubs that made this possible will now be justifiably rewarded. This agreement is the largest commercial deal ever secured by an Australian sport, but its significance goes well beyond the financial outcome. It returns the draw back to the NRL and will ensure fair and equitable scheduling for all Clubs. It also gives us greater flexibility to shape the future of the game, and ensures more fans can access rugby league than ever before, says Peter V'landys AM, Chairman, ARLC.

This agreement reflects the strength of rugby league today and confidence in where the game can go next. It is the result of years of planning, discipline and execution by the Commission as we positioned the game to maximise its value in a rapidly changing media landscape, says Andrew Abdo, CEO, NRL. Most importantly, it gives the game greater control over how rugby league is produced, distributed and experienced, ensuring fans remain at the centre of every decision we make.

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. We have been partners in the growth of rugby league for 30 years and are committed to working with the NRL to grow the game at all levels, elevate the fan experience and deliver even better innovation for audiences watching across Australia and in 200 international markets through DAZN, says Patrick Delany, CEO, Foxtel Group.

Rugby League is a core part of Nine's DNA, and this new agreement extends our partnership with the NRL into its fourth decade. The game is central to the fabric of Australian society and we take our role seriously in helping to grow the game with new audiences and fans, says Peter Tonagh, Chair, Nine Entertainment.

Rugby league is one of Australia's great sporting institutions, and we're proud to continue our long-standing partnership with the NRL. Today's fans expect more than live broadcasts. They want richer experiences, deeper storytelling and greater connection to the game every day. Together with the NRL, we'll continue to evolve how Australians experience rugby league while helping grow audiences, fandom, and the long-term future of the code, says Matt Stanton, CEO, Nine.

The passion New Zealanders have for rugby league continues to grow, driven by a world-class competition and the incredible support behind the Warriors. I am delighted that Sky has extended its long-standing partnership with the NRL and will continue to bring the sport we love to audiences across the country, says Sophie Moloney, CEO, Sky NZ.

Key deal terms:

Seven-year term beginning 2028

90% increase in annual cash revenue vs. current deal

Foxtel carries all NRL and NRLW Premiership matches including all Finals Series matches

Nine has exclusive coverage of the NRL Grand Final and both Men's and Women's State of Origin, and simulcasts three weekly NRL and NRLW fixtures

Sky NZ places more than 130 fixtures on free platforms

Revenue sharing and marketing agreement on international rights with Foxtel Group

Season structure, scheduling, and draws under ARLC control

LINK:	https://www.sportsvideo.org/2026/07/07/australian-rugby-league-commiss...
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