BROADCAST BONANZA
V’landys revealed the code’s next TV rights deal - due to begin from 2028 - will be finalised before this year’s grand final.
Streaming giants Netflix and DAZN, the latter of which completed a $3.4 billion buyout of Foxtel last April, have been touted as keen bidders, alongside current free-to-air rights holders Channel 9.
Media industry experts believe the NRL could fetch between $3 billion to $5 billion for a five-year term.
Negotiations are accelerating, with V’landys giving the strongest indication yet the code’s next broadcast deal is imminent.
“It will be done in the next six months, yes,” he said.
“It will be finished.
“We have given ourselves a time frame and we will meet that deadline.
“It’s a huge opportunity for us and yes, absolutely it will be done this year.
V’landys says the NRL’s next broadcast deal is coming soon. Picture: Rohan Kelly
“We have started talks, we have spoken to a number of parties, we’re out of the blocks.
“There is great interest in our sport, naturally because we had the highest TV rating audience last year. We have four of the top five most-watched programs.
“So why wouldn’t anyone want us?”
While V’landys is confident the deal will silence critics who have accused the NRL of underselling their current TV rights contract, he is mindful not to rip-off rugby league fans.
“It will be a record deal, absolutely,” he said.
“But we have to look at ways to make sure the fans don’t suffer. Naturally, whatever the broadcasters pay, they try to recoup, so we have to make sure the fans aren’t affected.
“All options are on the table and we have made that clear.
“We will do what’s best for rugby league, but we also have to make sure that we look after our game and the last thing we want to do is make it too expensive for the fans.
“At the end of it, whatever rights fees you get, the consumer pays for it, so you have to be careful you don’t alienate your fans by doing a record deal.
“In the back of our heads, yes, we have to maximise the amount of money we get, but at the same time we have to put protections in place so our fans aren’t paying too much.”
EXPANSION SHOCK
A second New Zealand team was seen as a fait accompli in the NRL’s march towards a 20-team competition by the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
But there is no guarantee expansion is headed to Christchurch.
V’landys believes Queensland can sustain a fifth NRL team following the outstanding success of the Broncos’ River City rivals the Dolphins, who enter their fourth season in 2026.
Brisbane’s western corridor, stretching out to Ipswich and Toowoomba, is crying out for an NRL team and V’landys says the ARLC hasn’t closed the door on Queensland.
“A second New Zealand team is a genuine option, but so is Queensland,” he said.
“We haven’t made up our mind.
Perth and PNG are both set to enter the NRL in coming years. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images
“We have left ourselves open on a timeline.
“We have to get the Perth Bears and PNG Chiefs going first, making sure they are successful and once we have them bedded down, we will look at the next stage.
“It’s no secret we want 20 teams and that initiative came from Nick Politis (Roosters chairman).
“A few years ago he got up at an NRL general meeting and said, ‘If this sport is to be successful, we need 20 teams’, and he is 100 per cent correct.
“Who can argue with a man who has made billions?
“I think Queensland can accommodate another team, absolutely, I don’t see why not. Queensland is a rugby league state.
“‘FLA’ (AFL) can try all it can ... but Queensland will always be home to rugby league.”
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