Rugby League World Cup reportedly set for “largest deal in history” as broadcast bidding war complete

A broadcast deal to show the 2026 Rugby League World Cup has emerged, with a shock bidder set to produce coverage of the event.

Earlier this year it was reported that four major production companies were part of a bidding way to earn the right to cover the event. Those were Channel Nine, who currently broadcast the NRL’s finals series as well as State of Origin, Channel Seven – who broadcasted the Rugby League World Cup in 2017 in Australia, DAZN and Amazon Prime – neither of which have ever produced rugby league coverage but would have been a significant coup for the sport nonetheless.

It has been reported Down Under that a decision has been made with one of the four outbidding the rest to claim exclusive rights to show the tournament.

In what is the largest broadcast deal in the history of international rugby league, The Sydney Morning Herald have reported that it will be Channel Seven that has gained access, in a bid worth around $12 million.

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The NRL, who themselves will need a new broadcast deal when their current contract runs out at the end of 2027, have chosen to go with Seven in what will be the first time in nine years the company has produced live coverage of the game.

What this means for coverage in the UK remains unclear, however overseas World Cups in the past have been shown on BBC (2017) and Sky Sports (2008) so rest assured a deal should come to fruition so that UK fans can get their international fix.

After a successful 2022 tournament, Australia will be looking to retain their trophy and lift their fourth World Cup in a row. However, they will arguably face the toughest opposition they have ever had, with a plethora of NRL stars already switching allegiance from the Kangaroos, instead deciding to join the likes of Samoa, Tonga and Fiji.