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- Nine Entertainment (NEC) executes an agreement regarding the broadcast rights for the National Rugby League 2023 to 2027 seasons
- Under the agreement, Nine has acquired the rights to broadcast three live games a week on Thursday and Friday evenings, as well as Sunday afternoons
- The company will also air a live Saturday night match in the last five rounds of the regular competition
- Nine has also secured radio and audio streaming rights for at least four matches a week as well as the finals and State of Origin
- Nine ends the day 1.09 per cent in the red with shares trading at $2.73
Nine Entertainment (NEC) has executed an agreement regarding the broadcast rights for the National Rugby League (NRL) 2023 to 2027 seasons.
Nine has acquired the rights to broadcast three live games a week on Thursday and Friday evenings, as well as Sunday afternoons.
The company will also air a live Saturday night match in the last five rounds of the regular competition.
The grand final and State of Origin will be shown exclusively on Nine and 9Now with all the State of Origin matches to be broadcast beginning next year.
Nine has also secured radio and audio streaming rights for at least four matches a week – Friday night, two Saturday games and a Sunday afternoon game – as well as the finals and State of Origin.
Nine CEO Mike Sneesby was pleased to extend the contract a further five years.
“We are very pleased to extend our 30-year partnership with the NRL for a further five years,” Mr Sneesby commented.
“This certainty enables Nine to continue to bring the game live and free to all Australians, and partners with the NRL to further develop the game for the clubs and the broader community.”
Nine’s average costs over the five years will be roughly $115 million per annum in cash with a further $15 million of contra and other non-cash services.
This is similar to the 2018-2022 figures of $115 million in cash and $10 million contra.
Nine Chairman Peter Costello commented on the extension.
“This is a major deal for our business to bring this exciting sport to the Australian public across our platforms,” Mr Costello said.
“The negotiation has been constructive and in the spirit of partnerships across our businesses and we thank the NRL for the positive engagement in the process for an outcome that benefits all Australians and fans of the game.”
Nine has ended the day 1.09 per cent in the red with shares trading at $2.73 in a $4.65 billion market cap.
