LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
NRL boss Peter V'Landys has issued a strong warning to overseas streaming services, emphasizing that they risk falling behind in the "arms race" for subscribers if they neglect rugby league.
This statement follows criticism from Karl Stefanovic regarding how many Australian fans are being excluded from popular sports due to the limitations of streaming services.
V'Landys' comments come as the NRL gears up for negotiations regarding its next broadcasting deal, which will commence in 2028.
V'Landys is keen on securing a transformative deal for rugby league, aiming for a staggering $3 billion payday.
The current free-to-air partner, the Nine Network, is expected to submit a bid, but it's uncertain if Fox Sports, now owned by UK-based DAZN, will do the same.
Other notable players like Prime Video and Netflix may also join the bidding, signaling strong competition for broadcasting rights.
"If any of them want to have a presence in Australia they need sport and, in particular, rugby league," V'Landys stated.
He reiterated that rugby league is the most-watched sport in Australia and is rapidly gaining popularity in the Pacific, suggesting it has immense potential for international coverage.
Prime Video is already gearing up to become the home of the NBA in Australia next season and aims to incorporate major cricket tournaments into its lineup.
While there's speculation about Prime's interest in rugby league rights, Alex Green, its managing director of sports international, remained tight-lipped, saying, "I've been asked this so many times.
We never discuss future rights.
It's too hard to speculate."
As the NRL approaches these critical negotiations, V'Landys' advocacy for the sport's value could reshape the landscape of sports broadcasting in Australia.