Super League officials are currently in Australia as they try to resuscitate an investment deal between themselves and the NRL, though an agreement may not come into effect until 2028.

It’s an alignment that has been in the process for over a year now, but for one reason or another, be it debate over logistics, finance or Super League’s format structure, the two have never been able to agree.

The NRL sent a ‘first offer’ to Super League in August, but that was rejected, before a second bid went in by Peter V’Landys and his team earlier this month.

An investment package of $57 million was sent to RL Commercial, along with a deadline of October 15 – the same day as the opening match of the World Cup between Australia and New Zealand. That deadline went by with no formal confirmation of where the proceedings were at, but The Daily Telegraph in Australia have confirmed that talks remain ongoing between the two sides.

RL Commercial’s Managing Director, Rhodri Jones, is reportedly in Australia at present trying to work things out with the Australian Rugby League Commission, not only regarding the investment but also the TV rights for Super League.

The same outlet has reported that Sky Sports will cut their coverage down from all seven to just three matches per week, meaning there are four games that need broadcast rights. Whilst not part of the full partnership, the NRL are working with both Super League and DAZN to try and get those four fixtures every week televised/streamed.

The latest NRL TV deal worked out to be in the multi-billions, whereas Super League’s last broadcast deal sat at around £20 million.

With pre-season starting for most clubs in just two weeks’ time, it’s believed that it is too late for both sides to agree on anything ahead of the 2027 season, but both parties are hopeful that a deal could be revived ahead of 2028.

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