Nine has secured the NRL free to air and streaming rights for the 2018 to 2022 seasons in a deal worth $185 million per year.
The agreement will see Nine broadcast four live games a week on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings and on Sunday afternoons. In addition, Nine will be able to broadcast Finals series, State-of-Origin and other special event matches.
The agreement also gives Nine the rights to streaming for the games, although the deal notes the NRL may grant the pay simulcast rights for certain games.
Nine CEO David Gyngell said the agreement more than doubles the live coverage of the NRL to more than 270 hours per season.
“Rugby League is part of Nine’s DNA,” Gyngell said.
“This is a transformational outcome for supporters, Rugby League and Nine, enabling viewers to see the best of the NRL, live and free, four days per week, anywhere on any device.
“As the audience for television fragments, the value and marketing power of free, live premium sport across multiple media cannot be underestimated.”
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