Does the NRL need the American market?

With the NRL entering the third year of its five-year deal to begin the home and away season from Las Vegas, Fox League’s Yvonne Sampson is unsure if the competition actually needs the American market.

Having started coming to Allegiant Stadium in 2024, the NRL has used the event to launch the premiership season in style, which has generated plenty of interest from casuals and fanatics alike.

And with it being reported by News Corp that the NRL is likely to make a $2 million return from this trip, the success has begun to flow financially.

Reflecting on what will be her third time in Las Vegas as part of the NRL’s season opener, she has noted that there have been several learnings from the event.

“I think we’ve learnt that Rugby League can measure up to any of the greatest sporting codes and franchises around the world in terms of marketable product,” Sampson said on SENQ Breakfast.

“We’ve learnt that our fans will travel literally around the globe to come and watch a game at one of the world-class stadiums in Allegiant Stadium, and I’m talking about Super League fans as well.

“And the third thing we’ve learnt is Rugby League really beats its chest and steps into the bright lights and spotlight comfortably in the sporting capital of the world.”

But while there have been plenty of positives out of the Las Vegas experiment, Sampson isn’t convinced that the NRL needs to make the trip.

“So, do we need the American market? I don’t know,” she continued.

“There was some suggestion that it was about the wagering and the betting money here in Vegas. I don’t know if we’ve picked that up.

“But the NRL released their findings last week about the 2025 season, and the NRL Grand Final was the most-watched thing on Australian TV, it’s the most engaged sport in Australia and New Zealand and our Rugby community is truly a global one.

“So do we need to come to Vegas, no. It is a hell of a fun time, absolutely.”

The NRL will begin the 2026 Premiership season from 1:15pm AEDT when the Knights and Cowboys get the action underway from Las Vegas at Allegiant Stadium.

And SEN League will have you covered with live commentary of the match beginning from 12pm, which will then be followed by the Bulldogs taking on the Dragons at 3pm.