Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Rugby Australia Secures Five-Year Broadcast Rights Extension with Nine Entertainment
Rugby Australia (RA) has finalized a lucrative five-year broadcast rights agreement with Nine Entertainment, valued at up to $240 million. The deal, effective from 2026 through 2030, incorporates performance-based incentives tied to Wallabies victories, according to reports from Nine-owned publications. This renewed partnership ensures continued free-to-air and streaming coverage of key Australian rugby competitions.
Significant Financial Uplift and Organizational Reset
Rugby Australia stated that the agreement represents a “substantial increase” over their existing broadcast arrangement. RA highlighted the deal as a testament to the “successful organizational reset” undertaken in 2024, setting a positive trajectory for the sport.
Continued Coverage Across Nine Platforms
Since 2020, Nine Entertainment has been the broadcast partner for Wallabies Test matches and Super Rugby, airing coverage on its free-to-air channels and subscription streaming platform, Stan. Nine initially secured the rights at a reduced rate during the COVID-19 pandemic in a three-year contract estimated at $100 million, followed by a two-year extension in 2023. This new, long-term commitment underscores Nine’s confidence in Australian rugby.
Extensive Coverage of Key Competitions
The renewed agreement guarantees broadcast coverage for:
- Wallabies and Wallaroos matches through 2030.
- Tests within the men’s Nations Championship, commencing next year.
Investment from Grassroots to International Level
RA chief executive Phil Waugh expressed enthusiasm about the agreement, stating, “The future of Australian rugby is bright and our growth trajectory is strong.” He emphasized that “This deal from 2026 through 2030 will ensure Australian Rugby is well supported from the grassroots through to the international level for men and women, boys and girls.” The financial security provided by this broadcast partnership is expected to bolster all levels of Australian rugby.
vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
Performance-Linked Incentives for Wallabies
A notable aspect of the agreement involves performance-related incentives for Australian teams. Reports in the Australian Financial Review indicate that a potential multi-million dollar bonus could be awarded if the Wallabies, who have recently faced performance challenges, achieve improved match results.
Wallabies Performance and Future Prospects
The Wallabies, currently ranked eighth globally, achieved victory in six out of thirteen Test matches in 2024, head coach Joe Schmidt’s inaugural year. This record marks an improvement from 2023 when the team secured only two wins out of nine matches under previous coach Eddie Jones. The performance incentives in the new broadcast deal align with expectations for continued improvement and success on the international stage.
Super Rugby Pacific and Club Rugby on Stan
Under the terms of the new agreement, all Super Rugby Pacific matches will transition to Stan’s subscription service, moving away from the previous arrangement of one free-to-air match per round. Furthermore, the deal extends coverage to state-level club competitions, including the Shute Shield and Hospital Cup, catering to dedicated rugby fans. This expanded coverage ensures a comprehensive offering of rugby content for viewers.