AFL Chief Emphasises Local Focus, Uninterested in NRL’s American Strategy

Andrew Dillon, the chief of the AFL, has confirmed that there are no immediate plans for the league to expand into the United States.

This statement came after the NRL’s recent season launch in Las Vegas, America’s entertainment hub.

Peter V’landys, the chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission, spearheaded this ambitious initiative last year, with the NRL now committed to commencing its season in Las Vegas until at least 2028.

The intent is to establish a presence in the vast American sports market, rather than significantly growing interest in rugby league, which remains relatively unknown in the country.

Australian Rules Football is even less recognised in the US, and Dillon has no intention of changing that landscape.

“It appears that it’s been quite successful for the NRL,” Dillon remarked during an interview with Nine’s Today.

“What they are doing is operationally very complex, and they have executed it remarkably well.

“However, our main focus remains on the Australian market.”

“Last year, we saw record attendance figures; we’re anticipating over 40,000 at the SCG this Friday night, more than 20,000 at Engie Stadium on Sunday, and we’re excited for over 85,000 at the MCG on Thursday and Friday nights next week.”

“So I believe we’re doing quite well.”

The AFL has a history of mirroring NRL initiatives, such as transforming the Magic Round into Gather Round, while also attempting to revive their previously unsuccessful State of Origin and All Stars formats.

Port Adelaide has, in the past, hosted matches in China as part of a commercial agreement, but the AFL generally prefers to concentrate within Australian borders.