Under the terms of the deal, which includes all broadcast and Inflight rights, IMG will distribute 26 rounds of live coverage of the NRL including the finals, three State of Origin matches and the annual ANZAC test match between Australia and New Zealand. IMG will also distribute a weekly highlights show - ‘NRL Full time’.
“Our partnership with IMG Sports Media provides the NRL with the opportunity to increase our international coverage by tapping into IMG’s vast network of contacts around the world. Professional Rugby League is a great spectacle and I am sure it is going to be a very attractive offering to international broadcasters and genuine sports fans,” said Graham Annesley, NRL Chief Operating Officer.
The deal forms part of IMG Media’s rugby league portfolio alongside the Rugby Football League’s European Super League, Challenge Cup and New Zealand Rugby League.
It is understood a number of deals are already being finalised, including with the Australian Network across Asia-Pacific, Orbit Showtime in the Middle East, Italy’s Dahlia TV, America One in the US and Virgin Airlines across international airspace.