NRL reportedly finalises broadcast deal with Fox and Nine

19th May, 2020

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AAP

19th May, 2020

The NRL has reportedly settled on a broadcast deal with Nine and Fox Sports worth close to $2 billion, ending almost two months of high-powered negotiations.

News Corp, who own Fox Sports, claim the ARL Commission on Tuesday approved a deal to be sent to both broadcasters for finalisation.

As part of the deal, Fox will stay on as Pay TV broadcasters until at least 2026 while Nine has not extended their current deal that runs through to 2022.

It has alleviated fears Nine would walk away from the negotiating table after chief executive Hugh Marks warned the network did not need the NRL.

The ARLC met on Tuesday to approve the deal before sending it to broadcasters, who will hold board meetings over the coming days before officially signing off on the contract.

The deal will give the NRL stability for the coming seasons and allow the ARLC to distribute funds to cash-strapped clubs who are struggling through a financial crisis.

It is a major hurdle cleared by the NRL with the season set to resume on May 28, with a complete draw and a resolution with referees to come.

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