A new broadcast deal is in the works between the NRL and Fox Sports, which could significantly transform the rugby league. If it goes through, the NRL will receive a record $1.7 billion, and every game in every round will be shown live for the first time.
Under the new deal, only one match would be held on Friday night, other three will take place on Saturday and Sunday, and one on Thursday night. The new deal could possibly end Monday night football as we know it. Additionally, all eight matches will air live on Fox Sports, with three games to be broadcast live on free-to-air television. The hugely popular State of Origin series, however, will likely remain on free-to-air.
The $1.7-billion broadcast deal will be a godsend for struggling clubs and elite players, as it would allow the National Rugby League ‘NRL‘ to raise the salary cap from $7.5 million to $11 million and the grants to clubs from $7.8 million to $12 million.
Customers of Foxtel Play* are offered a selection of packages that feature live channels, with the Sports Combo pick containing FOX SPORTS 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, ESPN 1, ESPN 2, Eurosport, as well as FOX8, Arena, Lifestyle, History, Discovery, A&E, FX, SoHo, MTV, Nickelodeon and Disney Channel plus hundreds of “catch up” on-demand titles.
Stream the NRL finals on PC, iPhone, Android, Chromecast, and Airplay with the Watch NRL app!Travelling abroad? Want to watch the finals?
