The 2024 calendar year was the most financially successful in the history of Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL), it has been claimed, with record revenue across the 12 months drawn.
Across 2024 the league generated A$744.9 million ($475.9 million), up from 2023’s A$701 million (which itself was a record), resulting in an operating surplus of A$62.3 million, which pushes the league’s net assets up to $322.4 million, up almost a quarter on 2023.
The strong financial year coincided with a record year of popularity for the league, which notched a record 22.5 million viewership total across Australia and New Zealand on all broadcast formats, and similarly record total attendance of 4.8 million across all NRL fixtures.
Speaking on the financial results announcement, NRL chair Peter V’Landys said: “Outstanding finances and growth have allowed the Commission to increase support for Clubs and States, while also increasing investments into new revenue-generating assets. Efficient operations have facilitated investments in participation and pathways, driving record growth from the grassroots of the game through to the elite.”
2024 saw the NRL complete the first of five annual season-opening trips to Las Vegas, USA, as means of growing the game internationally, and despite the heavy costs associated with the grueling travel and expensive venue, the fact that the league’s finances are still so buoyant speaks to the strength the competition domestically and its ever-growing popularity.
The second edition will take place on March 1 at the city’s Allegiant stadium, and will also feature a fixture between the Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves of England’s Super League rugby league competition.
At a press conference, V’Landys also drew comparisons between the financial strength of the NRL, and the comparatively cash-poor Super League, even hinting that the NRL would buy its English counterpart if it came to it.
He remarked: “If they approached us, we'd certainly look at it. At this stage they haven't approached us, but we're a firm believer in having a strong game in England and we're a firm believer in the international game.
"You can't have an international game without England. I don't want to breach any confidentiality, but it's important for us that the game in the United Kingdom is strong. At the moment, it's got its challenges."
