ARLC Unveils Record $845.6M Revenue in Landmark 2025 Annual Report

The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) has released its 2025 Annual Report, confirming the most profitable year in the sport’s 117-year history. Supported by soaring viewership and a “Pacific-first” expansion strategy, the organisation recorded a staggering $845.6 million in total revenue, a $100.7 million increase over the previous year.

The results cement Rugby League’s position as a powerhouse, with revenue more than doubling (up 116%) since 2016. This financial surge has enabled a record $562.3 million in distributions to clubs, players, and state bodies, ensuring the game’s wealth is shared across the entire ecosystem from grassroots to the elite level.

Commenting on the annual report, ARLC chairman, Peter V’landys AM, said: “Financially, the game has never been stronger.”

“The strategies of the Commission and strong financial management have enabled funding for players, clubs, and grassroots to continually grow, while also increasing our capacity to invest in new revenue-generating assets,” V’landys AM said.

Describing the season as the strongest entertainment product in Australian sport, NRL CEO, Andrew Abdo, added: “After another record-breaking year, Rugby League is strong, healthy, and vibrant.” 

With five million people attending matches live and a social media reach of 2.47 billion views, the NRL enters the 2026 season with an “indisputable” claim as the region’s number one sport.

ARLC’s Viewership and Participation Milestones

The 2025 season was highligted by a massive shift in audience engagement, particularly among younger demographics.

• Record Audiences: 224.2 million cumulative viewers tuned in across Australia and New Zealand, a 9.5% year-on-year increase.
• The Youth Surge: The Finals Series saw a 51% increase in viewership among the 16–39 demographic, a key metric for the league’s long-term commercial viability.
• Grand Final Glory: The decider—which saw the Brisbane Broncos secure a drought-breaking premiership—was the most-watched program of the year with 4.55 million viewers.

Participation also hit a historic peak, with 1.12 million people engaging in the sport.

In addition, female participation rose by 10% to surpass 50,000 registered players for the first time, while the NRLW Grand Final attracted a record average audience of 1.33 million.

Strategic Expansion: Perth and PNG

The Perth Bears are confirmed to join the NRL Premiership in 2027, marking the return of a top-flight team to Western Australia after 30 years. This will be followed by the entry of the PNG Chiefs in 2028, supported by a $600 million Australian Government investment to strengthen Pacific relations.

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