NRL Signs Seven-Year $5.3 Billion Broadcast Deal With Foxtel and Nine

The agreement, which begins in 2028, includes the NRLW competition and is expected to support league expansion to 20 teams by 2029. It also includes provisions that could raise the salary cap from $12 million per team to as much as $20 million.

Talks concluded late on Monday night with final contract terms still being settled. Documents were signed shortly before the public announcement at the league's Moore Park headquarters. Foxtel will pay approximately $520 million annually while Nine will contribute about $150 million per year.

Foxtel will broadcast most games, eventually holding six or seven matches per round once the 20th team joins. Nine will retain exclusive rights to three games per round plus the State of Origin series and the NRL grand final. The league will assume full control of the match schedule, which had previously been developed in collaboration with broadcasters.

The agreement is expected to place the NRL ahead of the AFL as the holder of Australia's richest sports broadcast deal. League officials stated that a portion of the revenue will be set aside to grow the organization's asset base from $400 million to $1 billion.

Officials also indicated plans to use the international reach of Foxtel's owner DAZN to expand the sport overseas, including potential matches in new markets and a possible global round as early as next year.