The International Rugby League has reportedly all but decided USA will host the 2030 World Cup with a number of cities targeted as hosting venues in a bid to grow the game into a global sport.
Channel 9’s the Mole reported New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago and Honolulu have been identified as potential hosting cities for the 2030 World Cup on American soil.
The IRL is keen to capitalise on the NRL’s push into the American sports market by holding rugby league’s showpiece event in the USA.
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ARLC boss Peter V’landys has already established a foothold in North America with the five-year deal to host the NRL’s season opening fixtures in Las Vegas.
Officials from the major rugby league nations met in England this week to discuss future expansion, with the 2030 World Cup high on their agenda.
Australia and Papua New Guinea host the 2026 World Cup next year meaning they are unlikely to win the race for hosting rights for the 2030 tournament.
Five nations in Kenya, New Zealand, PNG, South Africa and the USA have all placed bids to host the 2030 World Cup.
However, America is the most commercially viable of the options on the table and provides the greatest potential to grow the sport in new markets.
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The USA could host the 2030 Rugby league World Cup.Source: Getty Images
New York has a population of over eight million people, with many Australian and British ex-pats potentially flocking to see their teams in an American hosted World Cup event.
Honolulu is a potential drawcard for Pacific Island countries’ supporters, given the proximity in terms of travel, while it is also a desirable holiday destination for fans.
The IRL is set to make a final call on the hosting rights for the 2030 World Cup before the 2025 NRL season kicks off.
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