NRL Secures $5.3 Billion Broadcast Deal as Women's Salary Cap Talks Near 2027 Deadline

The NRL announced a $5.3 billion broadcast deal. Abc reported that the agreement comes as the NRLW salary cap arrangements, in place since 2023, near expiry at the end of the 2027 season. The current NRLW agreement raised the minimum wage for female players from $30,000 to $50,600 per season and lifted a team's total salary above $1.5 million by 2027.

In comparison, the top 30 male players at each NRL club will earn a combined $12.1 million in 2027. Cronulla NRLW captain Tiana Penitani-Gray said expanded salary caps and full-time contracts would remove financial insecurity for players. "Take away financial insecurity, take away having to juggle multiple jobs or study alongside the expectation of putting out a professional product," she said.

Canterbury-Bankstown NRLW captain Tayla Preston called for a longer season and extended pre-season to improve performance and limit injuries. "We have such a long off-season, girls are going to come and pick up injuries quite quickly," she said. Outgoing NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said the broadcast revenue would support both salary growth and the addition of teams in new markets.

The NRLW began in 2018 with four teams and three rounds and now includes 12 clubs playing nine regular-season games plus a three-week finals series. Penitani-Gray urged measured growth that includes investment in pathways rather than rapid addition of teams. "We probably need to invest a little bit more in pathways and development to be able to bring up that level of athletes," she said.