Media Release

27 November 2015

FANS WIN IN BIGGEST NRL BROADCAST

DEAL IN HISTORY

HISTORIC BROADCAST ARRANGEMENT LAUNCHES NEW ERA FOR RUGBY

LEAGUE

EVERY NRL PREMIERSHIP GAME LIVE, NO AD BREAKS DURING PLAY AND

IN HIGH DEFINITION UP TO THE GRAND FINAL FROM 2016

DEDICATED 24/7 RUGBY LEAGUE CHANNEL FROM 2017

RUGBY LEAGUE ALL WEEK LONG ON FOX SPORTS

From 2016, FOX SPORTS will be the home of Rugby League showing every

NRL Premiership game before the Grand Final LIVE, with no ad-breaks

during play and in HIGH DEFINITION for the first time in the sport’s

history in a landmark broadcast deal.

A new era for Rugby League comes to life next year with fans set to be the big

winners following today’s announcement by the Australian Rugby League

Commission and News Corp Australia that will deliver the biggest and most

comprehensive NRL coverage to fans across the country.

For the first time ever, fans will be able to watch every NRL Premiership game

before the Grand Final LIVE, with no ad-breaks during play and in HIGH

DEFINITION with news and entertainment all week long delivered by the biggest

and most respected names in the game.

FOX SPORTS will retain its exclusive Super Saturday coverage in the new

arrangement, and from 2017 will beam a LIVE Friday night prime-time double-

header into homes and venues across the country with a 6:00pm game followed by

an 8.30pm match.

In 2017, FOX SPORTS will revolutionise the sport forever, launching a dedicated

24/7 Rugby League channel with LIVE matches complemented with the most

comprehensive coverage of every club and all the stars, 365 days of the year.

FOX SPORTS CEO, Patrick Delany, said: “This is the best deal for the game, for

the fans and for our subscribers. Today marks a new era in the relationship

between FOX SPORTS and the NRL.

“We will deliver a fan experience like no other, providing a dedicated channel, new

broadcast innovations, and the best commentary and analysis from the game’s

biggest stars.

“This breakthrough deal will ensure fans get to see their team in action live every

week on FOX SPORTS, uninterrupted by ad-breaks during play and in high

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definition, the way they deserve to watch the game they love. We are extremely

pleased to have retained our successful Super Saturday offering and are looking

forward to showcasing live Friday night prime-time coverage from 2017.

“In another huge win for the sport, FOX SPORTS will launch a dedicated 24-hour,

seven days a week Rugby League channel in 2017, giving fans what they have

been asking for.

“This new deal would not have been possible without the support of Channel Nine

and the ARLC. And together, with our digital partner Telstra, we will deliver the

most dynamic NRL coverage to fans than ever before.

“Australia is a sporting nation. More than ever, we want to follow our club and

share in the players’ journey. This improved offering ensures that no matter what

your sport, no matter what your team, you can now watch it live and in high

definition on FOX SPORTS,” Mr Delany said.

Key Points:

Starting In 2016:

• Every game LIVE before the Grand Final with no ad-breaks during play and

in HIGH DEFINITION; plus

• Exclusive coverage of Super Saturday, Sunday afternoon football and

Monday Night Football.

Beginning in 2017:

• A dedicated 24/7 Rugby League channel; and

• Exclusive coverage of the Super Saturday triple-header and the only place

on TV to watch the new Friday night 6:00pm match, and the Sunday

afternoon match.

For further information contact:

Asha Burns

FOX SPORTS

Senior Manager, Publicity

0401 348 060 / 02 9776 2416

About FOX SPORTS Australia: FOX SPORTS Australia Pty Limited (FOX SPORTS) is Australia’s leading producer of sports

television coverage and is home to Australia's favourite subscription television sports channels as well as Australia's number one

general sports website.