TV RIGHTS
The success of the latest Las Vegas expedition comes as the NRL prepares to ramp-up negotiations over a new broadcasting deal.
Executives from the Nine and Seven Networks are in Las Vegas along with Foxtel boss Patrick Delany.
V’landys is aiming to shatter the broadcast ceiling and the success of Las Vegas is the ideal platform from which to launch talks given the goodwill and interest it generates heading into the season.
The NRL’s current five-year broadcast deal, which expires next year, is worth around $2 billion, including the New Zealand market.
TV rights experts believe the NRL is capable of broking a $4b deal for 2028-32, which equates to $800 million per season.
Competitive tension is key in maximising the NRL’s commercial capabilities.
While Foxtel and Channel 9 are in the box seat, Channel Seven are serious about bidding for content, expressing interest in reviving Monday Night Football when the NRL brings in a ninth weekly fixture from 2027.
(L-R) Patrick Delaney, Peter V'landys, Steve Crawley and Andrew Abdo at the Fox League and Kayo Sports launch event in Las Vegas. Picture: Jonathan Ng
V’landys welcomed the interest from Channel Seven, whose World Cup coverage later this year is a precursor to beefed-up NRL coverage.
“The more parties that are involved, the better,” he said.
“It shows you how far the game has grown that so many parties want it.
“There’s more than just Seven, there’s a lot of parties, it creates competitive tension and shows that people shouldn’t take us for granted.
“We will look at all options.
“The problem we would have with Monday Night Footy is the turnarounds for teams and players, that creates some complications with the draw, but we’re not ruling it out.
“This (TV rights contract) will be a record deal and I expect it to be done in the next six months.”
ORIGIN FOR SALE
State of Origin is the jewel in the NRL’s crown.
More than 11 million people watched last year’s three games and Origin will expand next year by going to New Zealand for the first time in the event’s 47-year history.
Channel 9 presently have exclusive rights to Origin but the NRL has looked into the NFL’s broadcast model of breaking up content, selling off individual items to broadcasters.
Origin is the perfect package for a fragmentation sale. Nine will fight tooth-and-nail to retain Origin as part of their NRL package, but the ARL Commission will explore an independent sell-off of their marquee NSW-Queensland event.
State of Origin could be up for grabs under the NRL’s next broadcast deal. Picture: Getty Images
“We have to look at all formats and that’s one of them,” V’landys told Code Sports.
“The jewel in the crown is State of Origin and there’s other channels (interested).
“Ideally we’d like it all in the one (package), but if you look at the NFL and how they do it, they’re very successful.”
After debuting in New Zealand next year, State of Origin will return to Perth in 2028. The ‘neutral’ venue for 2029 and beyond is undecided and V’landys revealed taking Origin to the northern hemisphere has appeal.
Asked if an Origin game in England is on the radar, V’landys told Sky Sports on Thursday: “Absolutely. That’s on the plan. If we make an investment in Super League, we will be bringing NRL competition games to London, absolutely.”
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