NRL Magic Round Secured for Queensland with Landmark Deal Through to 2032

The Queensland Government has officially locked in the long-term future of NRL Magic Round, securing the showpiece event at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium until 2032.

The new six-year agreement between the State Government, the National Rugby League (NRL), and Brisbane City Council ensures the event remains in its foundation home, fending off high-profile rival bids from New South Wales, Western Australia, South Australia, and New Zealand.

The deal signals a significant evolution for the concept; from 2027, Magic Round will transform into a week-long “festival of footy.” This expansion is timed to accommodate the arrival of the Perth Bears as the NRL’s 18th team, necessitating an additional game in the schedule.

The new format is expected to deliver a broader celebration of rugby league, moving beyond a single weekend to provide greater benefits for fans, communities, and businesses across the state.

Commenting on the announcement, Premier David Crisafulli, said: “Lock it in to 2032 – Magic Round is staying in Queensland exactly where it belongs.”

“We are only just getting started on what Magic Round can be in Queensland – this new deal means it will be bigger, it will be better and we’ll make sure every corner of Queensland gets a chance to share in the magic.”

Adding his enthusiasm, ARLC chair, Peter V’landys AM, added: “This extension reflects that shared ambition and confidence that the partnership will deliver major outcomes for the promotion of rugby league and the state of Queensland.”

“Magic Round has evolved into a major national event with real impact, for tourism, for business engagement, for investment across Queensland and for encouraging participation in rugby league.

“With this new agreement, Magic Round will get even bigger and showcase the best of Queensland to the world,” V’landys said.

NRL CEO, Andrew Abdo, noted: “Magic Round is about turning a great sporting event into a broader cultural and economic moment for the city and the state.”

“This extension means together we will build an even bigger and bolder week, from junior football carnivals to tourism adventures and business forums, showcasing the best of Queensland to the world.

“We want visitors to come for the footy, but stay for everything else Queensland has to offer, exploring more, staying longer, and supporting jobs across the State,”  Abdo said.

Statewide Expansion and Community Impact

A cornerstone of the new agreement is the commitment to a stronger statewide footprint. Key initiatives include:

• Regional Footy Festival
• Regional Live Sites
• Enhanced Brisbane Activations

Commercial and Strategic Objectives

The extension serves as a prerequisite for Queensland’s Destination 2045 strategy, which aims to make Queensland Australia’s sporting capital as it builds a “golden runway” of major events leading into the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

In addition, the deal incorporates a new industry events calendar running parallel to the matches, designed to drive business engagement, media forums, and long-term investment across the state.

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