The National Rugby League (NRL) has made history by signing a groundbreaking television deal with Las Vegas, solidifying its position as one of the world’s premier sporting leagues.
The deal, which was announced on November 26, 2023, will see NRL matches broadcasted live in the United States for the first time ever. This is a major milestone for the NRL, as it expands its global reach and attracts new fans from one of the world’s biggest markets.
Under the agreement, the NRL will partner with a major American television network to broadcast a selection of matches each week. This will include live coverage of marquee games, as well as highlights and analysis shows.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo expressed his excitement about the deal, stating that it is a significant step towards growing the league’s international audience and showcasing the high-quality rugby league played in Australia.
“This is a landmark moment for the NRL and for rugby league as a whole. The United States is a key market for us and we are thrilled to be able to bring our game to a whole new audience,” Abdo said.
The NRL has been actively pursuing international expansion in recent years, with a focus on the United States. This deal is a result of those efforts and is expected to open up new opportunities for the league, including potential partnerships with American companies and increased sponsorship deals.
The decision to partner with Las Vegas was a strategic one, as the city is known for its love of sports and entertainment. It is also home to several major professional sports teams, making it a prime location to introduce the NRL to American audiences.
The NRL has also been working closely with the United States Rugby League (USRL) to promote the sport in the country. The USRL is the governing body for rugby league in the United States and has been instrumental in helping the NRL secure this television deal.
USRL Chairman Peter Illfield expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating that it is a significant moment for rugby league in the United States.
“This is a game-changing deal for us and for the sport in the United States. We have been working closely with the NRL to grow the game here and this television deal is a major step towards achieving that goal,” Illfield said.
The NRL has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with record-breaking television ratings and attendance numbers. This new deal is expected to further boost the league’s growth and cement its position as one of the most exciting and competitive sporting leagues in the world.
The first NRL match to be broadcasted in the United States is set to take place in early 2024, with details of the schedule to be announced in the coming months. Fans in the United States can look forward to experiencing the fast-paced and action-packed games that the NRL is known for.
Overall, this landmark television deal is a major win for the NRL and a significant step towards its goal of becoming a truly global sporting league. With the United States now on board, the NRL is set to reach new heights and continue to captivate audiences around the world.
