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NRL 2025 Annual Report Reveals Significant Growth Across Key Metrics

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ARLC's NRL Annual Report 2025: A Year of Unprecedented Growth

The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) has released its NRL Annual Report 2025, detailing a year of significant growth for Rugby League across various key metrics. The report highlights increased audiences, attendance, participation, and a robust financial position.

Financial Performance

The ARLC reported substantial financial growth for 2025.

  • Total revenue reached $845.6 million, marking an increase of $100.7 million from the previous year. Revenue has surged by $454.2 million (116%) since 2016.
  • Distributions to clubs, players, states, and development totaled $562.3 million, an increase of $85.2 million from the prior year. Since 2016, distributions have impressively risen by $358.2 million (175%).
  • The ARLC recorded an operating surplus of $64.8 million in 2025, marking the fifth consecutive year of positive surpluses. Cumulative surpluses over this five-year period reached $291.3 million.
  • Net assets increased to $387.3 million, a 20% rise from the prior year. This represents a staggering 573% increase ($329.8 million) since 2016.

These strong financial outcomes have supported significant reinvestment in elite competitions, grassroots and junior participation, women’s programs, community clubs, and enhanced fan experiences.

Viewer and Attendance Data

The 2025 season saw increased engagement across multiple platforms.

  • Cumulative viewership in Australia and New Zealand reached 224.2 million across the season, a 9.5% increase from the prior year. This also represents a 64% increase (87.5 million viewers) compared to 2019.
  • The Finals Series recorded a 32.6% increase in overall viewership and a notable 51% increase among 16-39 year old fans.
  • The Grand Final achieved 4.55 million viewers and was the most-watched program of the year. The NRL also occupied four of the top five TV programs overall.
  • Five million people attended matches live, an increase of 3.6%.
  • NRL social media channels accumulated 2.47 billion views throughout the season, showcasing massive digital engagement.

Growth of Women's Rugby League

The women's game continued its impressive expansion in 2025.

  • The NRLW Grand Final attracted an average audience of 1.33 million viewers, marking a significant increase of 42.7% from 2024.
  • The NRLW season collectively reached 12.5 million viewers, demonstrating its growing appeal.

Participation Statistics

Rugby League participation showed robust growth in 2025 across all levels.

  • Total participation reached an impressive 1.12 million individuals.
  • Female participation increased by 10%, now exceeding 50,000 registered players.
  • Club participation recorded 207,744 registered individuals.
  • An additional 829,347 children engaged with the game through school programs, indicating a strong future pipeline.

Leadership Statements

ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AM and NRL CEO Andrew Abdo provided insights into the game's success and future direction.

ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AM stated that 2025 demonstrated Rugby League's inherent strength in Australia and the Pacific. He noted that the Commission's strategic approach and diligent financial management have facilitated continuous growth in funding for players, clubs, states, and grassroots initiatives. V'landys also highlighted increased investment capacity for new revenue-generating assets. He outlined future expansion plans, including the Perth Bears joining the NRL Premiership in 2027 and the Papua New Guinea Chiefs entering from 2028.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo commented that the 2025 season delivered a strong entertainment product and fostered the largest participation community in Australia and the Pacific. He affirmed that more people are watching and playing Rugby League than ever before, underscoring the game's core strengths.

Abdo further described Rugby League as "Australia and the Pacific’s largest and most inclusive sport."