Nine Network's significant broadcast deal with the National Rugby League (NRL) was reportedly on the verge of collapse due to a decision by presenter Karl Stefanovic to host a controversial guest on his podcast.
The £5.3 billion broadcast deal, set to run from 2028 for seven years, secures the NRL's presence on Nine Network, Foxtel, and Sky NZ. The agreement also anticipates the entry of the PNG Chiefs in 2028, following the addition of the Perth Bears in 2027.
Sources indicate that as negotiations with the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) intensified, and with competitor DAZN expressing interest in working with other networks, Stefanovic invited Tommy Robinson, a British far-right activist known for his views on immigration, onto his podcast. This move reportedly diverted the attention of Nine executives and caused friction within Rugby League Central.
NRL decision-makers were reportedly unimpressed, leading them to re-evaluate their options with Nine, especially with other broadcast offers on the table, including from Amazon. The situation was exacerbated by the presence of Nine CEO Matt Stanton at Wimbledon's Royal Box during this critical period.
It is understood that Nine chair Peter Tonagh intervened to salvage the deal. NRL boss Peter V'landys confirmed that negotiations extended late into the night as parties attempted to finalize terms, with DAZN expressing a preference for simulcasting the State of Origin and Grand Final with networks Seven or Ten over Nine.
Seven Network had also signaled its competitive interest by securing the rights to the Rugby World Cup. Ultimately, Nine managed to overcome the internal obstacles and secure the agreement, with Stanton returning in time for the press conference.
Under the terms of the agreement, Nine will pay the NRL $145 million annually in cash, offset by $10 million in committed annual advertising spend by the NRL and an additional $15 million to be provided. The deal also grants Nine exclusive rights to the Women's State of Origin, three live NRL matches weekly, 33 NRLW matches, men's and women's Test matches played in Australia, and the NRL and NRLW Finals Series.