NRL Hits New Heights: Record-Breaking Financial Success Marks a Milestone Year for Australia’s Premier Sport

The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) has declared 2024 as the most financially prosperous year in the National Rugby League’s (NRL) 117-year history.

During its annual general meeting held on Friday, the ARLC disclosed an impressive surplus of $62.3 million, highlighting a significant difference between revenue and expenses.

This marks the fourth consecutive year the league has reported a surplus, accumulating a total of $226.5 million over the past four years.

These accumulated surpluses have bolstered the game’s net assets, which now stand at $322.4 million, reflecting a 24 per cent increase since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Overall revenue also saw a rise of $43.7 million, reaching a new record of $744.9 million.

In his address, ARLC chairman Peter V’landys remarked that the NRL is entering a significant growth phase.

“With an unprecedented number of girls, boys, women, and men engaging with our game—be it through watching, attending, or participating—rugby league has indisputably become the premier sport in Australia and the Pacific,” he stated.

“From a financial standpoint, the game has never been in better shape. This marks the fourth year in a row we’ve witnessed a robust surplus, enabling us to capitalise on opportunities for reinvestment in the sport.

“Our persistent aim to operate an efficient organisation alongside diversifying our assets has led to enhanced support for clubs and states, allowing us to invest more than ever into grassroots initiatives, alongside record payments to players.”

During the 2024 season, viewership in Australia and New Zealand exceeded 200 million for the first time, marking an 8.6 per cent increase from 184.7 million in 2023 and a jump from 133.2 million six years prior.

The NRL recorded a whopping 153.7 million cumulative viewers over 213 matches, outpacing the AFL’s total of 140.3 million across 216 matches by 10 per cent.

Additionally, nearly 4.8 million fans attended matches in 2024, setting a new attendance record and reflecting an increase of one million fans since 2018.

“Following a sensational season opener in Las Vegas, rugby league has been the most viewed sport in the nation, with record attendance throughout the season,” V’landys remarked.

“The women’s game is progressing by leaps and bounds, while the international scene is thriving, buoyed by the success of the Pacific Championships.

“These outcomes affirm the Commission’s vision for growth and investment at all levels of the game, and it’s rewarding to see rugby league in such robust health.”

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo was confident that the achievements of 2024 would lay a strong foundation for continued growth into 2025.

“We take immense pride in the 2024 results, showcasing revenue growth, record fan engagement, newly acquired assets, well-supported NRL clubs and state leagues, and a thriving participation network, all of which position us for an even better 2025,” he concluded.