The 2024 National Rugby League (NRL) season is breaking records across domestic Australian sports broadcasting partner Foxtel Group’s networks.
Viewership rose across the group’s Foxtel, Foxtel Now, Foxtel Go and Kayo Sports channels. Kayo in particular benefits from showing games exclusively in 4K definition, with its audience rising 30% year-over-year.
The group’s viewing figures also show the growing role of online streaming in sports broadcasting, with 59% of Foxtel Group’s total NRL audience streaming coverage of the tournament last season.
Julian Ogrin, CEO of Kayo Sports, said: “This season, we supercharged the Kayo Sports experience with the introduction of 4K for our exclusive NRL games.
“Combined with our ad-free during live play proposition, expert analysis and commentary and world-class Fox League coverage, this brought more fans than ever to our platforms as they discovered the incredible value we offer.”
The figures mark the seventh consecutive year of growth for NRL viewership, and showcase the continuing valuable potential Australia’s top-flight rugby league tournament still has.
NRL remains one of the nation’s most popular sports leagues, alongside the Australian Football League (AFL) and Big Bash League (BBL) Twenty20 cricket league. Last year, the league attracted a total audience of 178.1 million, driving revenue of AUD$700m.
“2024 was a record breaking season in many ways,” remarked Steve Crawley, Fox Sports Managing Director.
“From Las Vegas to Magic Round right to the final whistle of the regular season with the Knights v Dolphins game determining the last spot in the top 8, we have enjoyed bringing the very best of the sport to audiences nationwide. Congratulations to the NRL and teams on a successful year.”
The 2024 season is still underway, with the league segment of the tournament having concluded. It has now entered the finals stage, which will start today with Penrith Panthers playing Sydney Roosters in a qualifying match.
