[mkdf_dropcaps type=”normal” color=”#f55549″ background_color=””]T[/mkdf_dropcaps]
he NRL has announced Telstra as the official naming rights partner of the NRL Telstra Women’s Premiership (NRLW), on a three-year partnership.

With this deal, Telstra now holds the naming rights of both the men’s and women’s elite competitions through to at least 2022.

NRL CEO, Andrew Abdo, said he is delighted to see Telstra extend its commitment to the NRL and the women’s game.

“Telstra have been one of the NRL’s greatest supporters for two-decades and have a genuine passion for growth, innovation and excellence – everything the Telstra Women’s Premiership stands for,’’ Abdo said.

“In an incomparable year, Telstra have been with us to break down barriers, create greater opportunities and grow women’s rugby league from top to bottom.

“They are wonderful partners.

“It’s been a challenging year but there was never any doubt about the importance of women’s rugby league to our fans.

“The competition can only grow off the back of the investment and support from Telstra.

“We have some wonderful athletes and this year’s competition is eagerly anticipated by everyone,” he said.

Telstra chief marketing officer, Jeremy Nicholas, added Telstra is excited to use its network to bring NRLW matches to fans.

“The sponsorship is a natural extension of our existing NRL partnership and a wonderful opportunity to deepen our connection to this great game,” Nicholas said.

“Having the chance to back the NRL Telstra Women’s Premiership aligns perfectly with our company values and strongly held beliefs in equality and inclusion across all of society.

“Telstra are a long-time partner of rugby league in Australia, and the growth of NRLW gives fans more action to watch, and importantly, it’s a beacon for young women to participate in sport for health, fitness and friendship, and also to believe in a professional sporting career too.

“We’re so excited to stream matches as the NRL Telstra Women’s Premiership to fans for the first time this year using Telstra created technology and Australia’s best mobile network,” he said.

The partnership comes after a recent announcement all NRLW matches are set to be broadcast live and free on Channel Nine’s main channel, to be played as triple-headers alongside men’s finals matches on October 3, 10, and 17.

The NRLW Grand Final is set for October 25, 2020 after all teams play each other once, with the top two ranked sides competing in the Final.