Rugby TV Rights Draw in $1 Billion Deal

SYDNEY: The Australian Rugby League Commission has secured a five-year broadcasting deal with Nine and Fox Sports that pulled in AUD$1.025 billion ($1.072 billion).

This marks the largest agreement in the Rugby League’s history. The amount is more than double what the two networks paid for a six-year pact back in 2005.

Nine will air the free-to-air matches weekly. Fox Sports will have five matches a week for pay TV.

"We applaud the confidence all our broadcasters have shown in this great game of rugby league," said John Grant, the chairman of the ARLC.

"It’s a fantastic result for the game. The cash is useful in providing funding to grow our game from the grass-roots to the elite level."