The $1B NRL Media Rights Deal Could Increase To $1.25B With Add-Ons

The Australian Rugby League Commission "is tipped to match" the Australian Football League's A$1.25B ($1.29B) media rights deal once it completes a broadcast agreement in New Zealand and sells the online and mobile rights, according to Brad Walter of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. The deals-in-progress may include a ''season-pass'' arrangement similar to the recent deal by the National Basketball League that will enable fans to subscribe to matches on a new website. Other sports, including the AFL and NBA, "sell similar packages to allow fans to watch either their team or all matches online." A source said, "Watch this space, because I think that is a real opportunity going forward. That is where this deal could be even better than it already looks. There is actually a fair bit to go." The ARLC is negotiating to sell the online and mobile rights with a number of companies, including Telstra, which paid the AFL A$153M for those rights (SMH, 8/29).