'); }); AU / NZ America Europe/UK Membership Login News Events Women in Sport Summit 2026 Women in Sport Futures Day 2026 Unmissable Sports Forum Unmissable Sports Lunch Networking View All Education Playa Power Data GlS QUT View All Membership News Australia / New Zealand Events Conferences Awards Networking View All Education Playa Power Data GlS QUT View All Membership Topics Brands Media & Broadcast Olympic Sponsorship Sports Tech Women’s Sport Show More Topics >> Sports Australian Rules Basketball Cricket Netball Rugby League Soccer (Football) Show More Sports >> Login Membership Home > Media & Broadcast > Foxtel Targets $4 Billion Exclusive NRL Deal Media & Broadcast 2 min read Foxtel Targets $4 Billion Exclusive NRL Deal Written by MOS Editorial Team Published on 2 June 2026 Foxtel has pitched a $4 billion proposal to secure exclusive control of all National Rugby League (NRL) broadcast rights from 2028, allegedly aiming to freeze out Nine Entertainment from the lucrative partnership that currently splits coverage between the two networks. The battle for NRL dominance escalated last Tuesday morning when Foxtel presented its exclusive rights proposal to ARLC chairman Peter V’landys and outgoing NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo. Hours later, Nine Entertainment executives delivered their own competing vision, with chief executive Matt Stanton reportedly seeking full exclusivity to strengthen Stan Sport’s position in the streaming market. The current broadcast agreement between Foxtel and Nine expires at the end of the 2027 season, creating a high-stakes bidding war between Australia’s major media players. Foxtel’s aggressive play comes with significant international support. DAZN, the global streaming giant that recently acquired Foxtel’s Australian business, views NRL rights as critical to keeping its Australian operation competitive. The international backing positions Foxtel to make substantially larger offers than previous negotiations. DAZN’s involvement signals broader international interest in Australian sports rights, with the streaming company considering its Australian arm key to its global strategy. To strengthen its bid, Foxtel is actively pursuing partnerships with Seven or Ten networks. This alliance approach would consolidate broadcast resources while maintaining Foxtel’s primary control over the rights package. The strategy reflects industry trends toward exclusive sports packages rather than the current shared arrangement, as media companies prioritize streaming platform dominance over traditional broadcast partnerships. Both competitors view NRL rights as essential ammunition in Australia’s streaming wars. Foxtel’s Kayo Sports platform and Nine’s Stan Sport are positioning premium rugby league content as subscriber acquisition tools in an increasingly crowded market. With nearly four years remaining on current agreements, the early positioning suggests both networks recogniSe NRL rights as foundational to their long-term streaming strategies. The extended timeline allows for complex negotiations involving broadcast windows, streaming rights, and potential sub-licensing arrangements. Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today! . DAZN has acquired EverPass Media in a transaction designed to solidify its... The National Football League (NFL) and ESPN have announced an expansion of their... Foxtel Media has expanded its commercial footprint into the digital video landscape by... Join the most engaged community in the Sports Business World. Get all the latest news, insights, data, education and event updates. Your MVP in the Business of Sport. We play the game to add value to the Sports Business industry by delivering News, Insights, Education and Events. Join the most engaged community in the sports business world. Want to be part of the team? Subscribe for free to join today! Copyright © 2026 | Ministry of Sport | All Rights Reserved.
Curated by Taleb Kabbara · Source: ministryofsport.com