Fans are the winners with more live games, more 4K coverage, more innovation and more opportunity to enjoy the footy
Kayo SPORTS and FOXTEL will remain home to the NRL and NRLW until 2034, with live coverage of every home and away game of both seasons and every finals game (except the Grand Final), after extending the company’s 30-year broadcast partnership with the NRL.
The partnership which will run until 2034 will see:
- More exclusive live NRL matches as the league expands – increasing from five matches in full rounds to seven matches (when the 20th team enters)
- Exclusive NRLW matches
- An expanded Super Saturday proposition with more exclusive live NRL matches on Saturday across the entire home and away season
- More matches available to fans to watch in 4K
- More innovation embedded in our coverage, bringing fans closer to the game than ever before; and
- International reach extended through DAZN taking NRL matches into 200 markets around the world.
Foxtel Group CEO Patrick Delany said: “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.
“We invest $1 billion every year in sports rights and production. Sport is critical to Australia’s social infrastructure and with the NRL investing significant broadcast dollars directly into grassroots football, every Kayo subscriber not only buys affordable family entertainment but contributes to a better and stronger community.
“Our thanks go to Peter V’landys and Andrew Abdo for their trust, vision and commitment to the ongoing innovation that continues to drive the growth of the game.”
ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AM thanked all broadcast partners for their collaboration and said the result future proofs the game and provides a platform for growth in Australia and globally.
“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.
“We entered these negotiations with a clear objective — secure long-term growth while retaining control of the things that matter most. We have achieved that outcome.
“I want to thank Foxtel Group CEO Patrick Delany, Nine Chair Peter Tonagh, Nine CEO Matt Stanton, and Sky NZ CEO Sophie Moloney for reaching a landmark agreement that puts the fans and the future of rugby league first,” Mr V’landys AM said
NRL Chief Executive Officer Andrew Abdo described the deal as a reflection of the unprecedented growth of rugby league and the confidence the market had in rugby league’s future.
“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.
“The outcome gives us the certainty, flexibility and resources to pursue ambitious growth opportunities across every level of the game.
“In particular, more investment than ever will go into grassroots and community football to drive participation and ensure all levels of the game flourish.
“Rugby league is now in the best possible position for further expansion and continued growth from a community level through to the international stage.
“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,” Mr Abdo said.
The new partnership starts from the 2028 season.
Mr Delany said: “When the 20th team enters the competition, we will have seven of 10 games exclusively on KayoSPORTS and Foxtel and our subscribers will be able to watch their team live every week, no matter which team they support. We are also thrilled to now have exclusive live games of NRLW - one of Australia’s fastest growing leagues - and we think it will grow even faster with more games on Kayo SPORTS and Foxtel.
“With the NRL now secured long term alongside the AFL, Cricket, Supercars and Formula 1, Kayo SPORTS and FOXTEL are home to the top Tier 1 sports in Australia. Combined with the best in international sport and more than 50 live sports, we're bringing fans an unmatched sporting line-up.
“With this breadth of coverage, we're helping to grow the games themselves, inspire the next generation of fans and athletes, and ensure our investment continues to strengthen communities and participation across the country.
“Now we have the rights agreement in place, our focus turns to ensuring Kayo SPORTS continues to lead in presenting the most innovative approach to live sport broadcasts and continuing to enhance the customer experience.
“I would like to thank our colleagues at DAZN, particularly CEO Shay Segev and Chairman Sir Leonard Blavatnik, for their unwavering support of this partnership.”
The agreement further strengthens Kayo SPORTS’ position as Australia’s sports leader with an unrivalled line up of AFL, NRL, Supercars, Formula 1® and cricket alongside the best of U.S. sports through ESPN including the NFL, NBA, NHL, and NBL.