Australia: Rugby League agrees new FTA deal
August 10, 2015
Rugby League fans in Australia will be able to watch four live matches each week on free to air television as part of a new broadcast rights agreement reached with the Nine Network.
NRL CEO Dave Smith said Channel 9 has secured the rights to screen matches on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays during prime time and on Sunday at 4pm.
The deal, the biggest in Australian free to air television history, is worth up to $925 million and will take effect from 2018.
Smith said that, as part of the agreement, the NRL would regain control of the season schedule – and deliver a better deal for the fans. “We will be able to schedule the best games when fans want to see them – and ensure all clubs receive the coverage they deserve on free to air television,” he said.