What is Foxtel’s proposed $4 billion broadcast rights deal with the NRL?

Foxtel has submitted a seven-year, $4 billion bid to secure the National Rugby League (NRL) broadcast rights from 2028 until 2034. Under this complex proposal, Foxtel would buy the rights in their entirety and sublicense the free-to-air coverage to two different television networks.

How would the NRL free-to-air coverage be split under the Foxtel proposal?

Foxtel plans to sublicense the free-to-air broadcast components to Seven Network (owned by Southern Cross Media) and Network Ten (owned by Paramount). Seven would broadcast Sunday and Monday matches, as well as the marquee State of Origin series.

Why is Foxtel attempting to buy all the NRL rights instead of just the pay-TV portion?

Foxtel is launching this aggressive bid to block out its long-standing free-to-air rival, Nine Network, which wants to buy the entire package to boost its own paid streaming service, Stan.

Who is funding Foxtel’s $4 billion NRL broadcast rights bid?

The multi-billion-dollar bid is heavily backed by global sports streaming giant DAZN, which acquired Foxtel in 2025. DAZN is part-owned by a division of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

What are the main bull and bear cases for the NRL if it accepts Foxtel’s offer?

The bull case is that the $4 billion total valuation hits the financial goals of Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys, giving the NRL massive capital to reinvest into clubs and regional expansion. The bear case is that splitting the broadcast across three different platforms (Foxtel/Kayo, Seven, and Ten) could severely confuse fans and fragment the viewing audience due to shifting weekly schedules.

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Foxtel plots $4 multi-network NRL bid

Written by Jon CuthbertPublished Jun 12, 2026, 6:02 AM

Foxtel has launched a complex $4 billion proposal to secure the National Rugby League broadcast rights until 2034, plotting a deal that would split free-to-air coverage between two rival networks.

Under the ambitious seven-year plan, Foxtel and its streaming arm, Kayo Sports, would retain exclusive Saturday broadcast and digital rights.

To navigate Australia’s strict anti-syphoning laws, Foxtel intends to purchase the rights in their entirety and sublicense the free-to-air components.

Seven Network would broadcast Sunday and Monday fixtures, alongside the marquee State of Origin series, while Network Ten would secure Thursday and Friday night matches.

This aggressive play comes as incumbent free-to-air partner Nine Network seeks to capture the entire rights package for up to $600 million annually to bolster its own paid streaming platform, Stan.

However, Foxtel's total offer reportedly eclipses Nine's bid, positioning Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys to achieve his coveted $4 billion target.

The bidding war is heavily backed by global sports streaming giant DAZN, which acquired Foxtel last year.

Backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, DAZN is leveraging its deep pockets to maintain domestic sporting dominance, despite the legal complexities of the bid.

Legal experts have already questioned whether a subscription-based platform purchasing all rights and slicing them up adheres to the spirit of anti-syphoning legislation.

While a multi-network split promises the NRL unprecedented financial windfalls and broader reach for expansion, fans may face a confusing weekly schedule across shifting channels.