The outcome of NRL broadcast negotiations in the coming weeks will be a seismic moment in Australian TV history, as colourful rugby league administrator Peter V’landys threatens to end the reign of Foxtel over Australian sport or quell Nine Entertainment’s expansion as a major subscription player.
For years observers have ridiculed the potential for the NRL to exceed the AFL’s $4.5bn deal struck in 2022. A perfect storm, however, has propelled the NRL towards an outcome few thought possible. V’landys and outgoing chief executive Andrew Abdo have been in meetings with broadcasters in recent weeks, and their decision will have wide-reaching ramifications.
