The NRL has agreed a major new broadcast deal worth $5.3 billion that will see Fox Sports and Channel 9 continue as rights holders.
The groundbreaking seven-year deal is worth $1bn more than the seven-year TV rights deal sealed by the AFL in 2025.
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And it could increase in value from $750m to $800m annually if – or when – a 20th franchise is added.
That is one of the clauses in the new agreement, with a new team to be included by 2029-30 – likely from New Zealand, per Code Sports.
The additional revenue would be provided by New Zealand TV, potentially reaching as high as $5.5bn.
Another provision of the deal is for State of Origin to remain on the Nine network.
However some players have called for Origin to be a stand alone product, as its existing state conflicts with the NRL.
“Origin, I think, should be a stand-alone,” Nathan Cleary told Code.
“I just think sometimes it jeopardises the quality of games in the weekend.”
Isaah Yeo added: “Yeah, (make it) the three weeks back-to-back just because it doesn’t impact NRL as much.
“You can add a little bit of value to the international games as well – whether it’s Samoa, Tonga, New Zealand getting the game somehow.
“However that looks, I’m not sure, but I feel like you could (play international football). I know New Zealand would love an international game over that period.”
Nine, as well as Fox, fought off competition from Amazon, Seven and Ten Networks.
Fox Sports will once again remain the home of NRL, showing every match except the ones it nominates to sell to Nine.
Amazon reportedly made a serious bid for Friday Night Football but the ARL Commission backed Foxtel.
They are now preparing to formally announce the deal in the coming days, with ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys and NRL CEO Andrew Abdo likely to be delighted at beating the AFL’s deal.