The NRL is close to securing a lucrative TV broadcast deal with Fox Sports in the US according to the Courier Mail’s Peter Badel.
The historic Las Vegas double header to open the 2024 season is less than a month away and ARL Chairman Peter V’landys has been working diligently behind the scenes to ensure the matches are broadcasted into US households.
Badel believes the NRL have agreed to a long-term deal which will see not only the Vegas matches broadcasted in America but also regular season NRL games over the next five years.
“This could be a real fiscal bonanza for the NRL,” Badel told SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“The NRL are spreading their tentacles to America (and) the Vegas matches on March 3 will be shown on prime time television in America on Fox Sports 1.
“It’s a huge coup for rugby league to go to a market of more than 100 million Americans.
“They are looking to have that deal extended to five years of the double header being shown live.
“Ultimately, the plan is to show live weekly games during the NRL season to be shown live on American TV.
“It would be huge given the population base over there.
“It would be a massive win for rugby league.”
The four clubs heading to Las Vegas are also ramping up their preparations. A number of players with criminal records fronted the US Consulate in Sydney for interviews with the hope of getting their visa applications approved.
Badel was confident that the players would have no issues in being granted entry into America.
“I can’t see any real issue,” Badel said.
“The players will have the backing of the NRL (who will provide) good character references.
“Most guys will have to disclose previous indiscretions and you’d hope they get rubber stamped.
“Some may have some bigger issues such as Reece Walsh who had a cocaine issue which he pleaded guilty to.
“He was subsequently fined so he had to explain himself to the consulate.
“We certainly hope that no guys get blocked.
“Let’s hope they all get the green light and we see the best footballers over there at Allegiant Stadium.”
The Rabbitohs and Sea Eagles will play the first game of the double header before the Broncos take on the Roosters.