Nine Network secures exclusive broadcast deal for Women’s State of Origin and NRLW

The Nine Network has sealed a new broadcast agreement that designates 2024 as a transformative year for women’s rugby league.

Nine will serve as the exclusive broadcaster for the Women’s State of Origin series from 2024 through 2027, marking a significant step for the visibility and progression of the women’s game.

A key highlight of the 2024 Women’s Origin series is its expansion to a three-game format for the first time, mirroring the men’s series. This development signals a chapter in the sport’s evolution, providing female athletes with an expanded platform and elevating the competition to new heights.

A spectacle built on fierce rivalry, it’s not often that New South Wales and Queensland share common ground, but the women’s State of Origin stars were united in the push for a three-game series.

https://t.co/URnUudbPKK

— NRLW (@NRLWomens) November 14, 2023

Scheduled to kick off in primetime on Thursday, May 16 at Suncorp Stadium as a prelude to NRL Magic Round, the series will continue with subsequent games aligning with the first two men’s fixtures.

In a further demonstration of its commitment to the NRLW, Nine’s Wide World of Sports will broadcast every game of the 2024 NRLW competition live and free.

“Women’s rugby league continues to flourish and we’re thrilled to showcase the pinnacle of the code, State of Origin, with exclusive, live and free coverage here on Nine all the way through until 2027,” said Nine CEO Mike Sneesby.

“The NRLW has risen rapidly in recent years thanks to superstars like Millie Elliot, Tamika Upton, Ali Brigginshaw and Isabelle Kelly. Nine’s Wide World of Sports will be there for every NRLW game in 2024, all live and free, as we watch the new generation emerge and put their incredible talents on display.”

Newcastle Knights won their second straight NRLW premiership in the expanded 2023 competition, running down Gold Coast Titans 24-18 in a thrilling grand final.

The 2024 NRLW season, commencing on July 25, will feature a comprehensive 45-game schedule spread across nine rounds.

Additionally, Channel 9 introduces a dedicated weekly women’s rugby league show, titled NRLW Wrap, airing on Channel 9 and 9Now. The return of the podcast NRLW WEEKLY, hosted by Marlee Silva and Ruan Sims, adds another dimension to the network’s comprehensive coverage.

The commentary team for the 2024 NRLW season on Channel 9 includes former Jillaroos Ruan Sims and Allana Ferguson, along with hosts Emma Lawrence, Danika Mason and newcomer Marlee Silva.

Additional insights will be provided by Roosters captain Millie Elliot, complemented by contributions from the broader Wide World of Sports rugby league team, featuring renowned figures such as Billy Slater, Andrew Johns, Cameron Smith, Darren Lockyer and Brad Fittler.