Rugby Australia renews broadcast deal with Nine until 2030 valued at $240m
4 days ago
Rugby Australia has confirmed the renewal of its landmark broadcast partnership with Nine through 2030, positioning Australian Rugby for a new era of growth.
The new deal spanning 2026-2030, valued at up to $240 million, represents a significant uplift on Rugby Australia’s current broadcast agreement and follows a successful organisational reset in 2024.
By confirming their status as the “home of Rugby” for an additional five years, the 9Network, 9Now and Stan Sport will continue to deliver exclusive, innovative and world class coverage of rugby union to millions of fans across Australia during a golden decade of major events.
The new broadcast deal, subject to final ratification from SANZAAR, covers:
All Wallabies and Wallaroos Test matches through 2030 outside of Rugby World Cup competition
All Super Rugby Pacific and Super Rugby Women’s matches
All SANZAAR Tests and the new Nations Cup tournament (once formalised),
All Shute Shield and Hospital Cup matches at least through to 2027.
Phil Waugh, Chief Executive of Rugby Australia, said the new broadcast deal with Australia’s largest locally owned media and entertainment company represented a strong vote of confidence in the direction of Australian rugby.
“The partnership with the 9Network and Stan Sport is exceptionally strong and Rugby Australia is proud to partner with them for a further five years,” Waugh said. “In a challenging global media market, it is encouraging to see the value of Australian rugby content increasing.
“On behalf of everyone at RA, I would like to thank Nine’s Chief Executive Matt Stanton and his team for significantly increasing their level of support for rugby during what promises to be a transformative period for the game in this country.
“The extension of our partnership with the 9Network and Stan Sport offers rugby fans the best of both worlds: the free-to-air reach of Australia’s largest locally owned media company and an innovative and comprehensive subscription product via Stan Sport that brings the very best of Australian and international rugby together in one place.
“The future of Australian rugby is bright and our growth trajectory is strong. This deal from 2026 through 2030 will ensure Australian Rugby is well supported from the grassroots through to the international level for men and women, boys and girls.”
Daniel Herbert, Chair of Rugby Australia, said the new broadcast deal with Nine would be warmly welcomed by fans as Australian rugby enters a golden decade of major events in this country headlined by the British and Irish Lions tour (2025), men’s Rugby World Cup (2027), women’s Rugby World Cup (2029) and Brisbane Olympics (2032).
“There is much positivity around Australian rugby in 2025 and our new broadcast agreement with Nine will be celebrated by the millions of Australians who love this game,” Herbert said.
“Rugby was proud to play an integral role in the creation of Stan Sport in 2021 and now looks forward to driving more growth and engagement to the undisputed ‘Home of Rugby’ through 2030. And the free-to-air reach of Nine – in addition to its radio, print and digital platforms – ensures rugby’s marquee events will be broadcast and distributed to the widest possible audience.
“Australian rugby is in a strong position after our organisation-wide strategic reset in 2024 and fans can approach the future with optimism as we enter into a new, upweighted deal with Nine. They truly deliver the deepest and most innovative coverage of XVs and Sevens, men’s and women’s teams, club, provincial and international rugby in the world.”
Matt Stanton, Chief Executive of Nine, said the new broadcast deal with Rugby Australia would deliver audiences “a world-class experience” across Nine’s suite of streaming and free-to-air platforms.
“Today’s announcement reinforces Nine’s position as the home of Australia’s biggest sporting moments – bringing unrivalled entertainment, access and reach to fans, and the strongest and most effective partnership for premier sporting bodies that delivers like no other Australian media organisation can,” Stanton said.
“We know there is no better combination than Nine the 9Network, 9Now and Stan Sport to grow a sport’s popularity and deepen its connection with its fan base.
“We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Rugby Australia at a time when live sport continues to demonstrate its ability to drive strong growth across streaming and free-to- air audiences.
“This agreement isn’t just about showing world-class rugby – it’s about delivering fans a world-class experience on their screens. Whether through live coverage, streaming, expert commentary or exclusive insights, we’re ensuring every moment of Rugby on Nine is an unmissable event.”