The NRL is accelerating plans for a Global Round after the strong success of its Las Vegas season openers, with ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys eyeing several major international cities for future premiership matches.
Cities under active consideration include London, Abu Dhabi (or the broader UAE), Hong Kong and Japan. Officials are also exploring options in the United States beyond Las Vegas, such as Miami, while maintaining Vegas as the long-term anchor event. The UAE has reportedly offered significant financial incentives to host a fixture.
The push builds on the growing crowds and international interest generated by the Allegiant Stadium double-headers. NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo and V’landys have discussed models that could see multiple opening-round games staged across different continents, or international fixtures spread through the season in a style similar to the NFL.
Clubs have shown interest, with the Sydney Roosters among those open to a potential blockbuster in Japan. The commission is working through the commercial and logistical cases before engaging clubs more formally, aiming to grow the game’s global footprint while capitalising on the momentum from the American launch.
The ambition forms part of a broader strategy to take regular NRL, NRLW and State of Origin matches to new markets worldwide.
