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NRL CEO Andrew Abdo to Depart for Tennis Australia; Peter V'landys to Assume Interim Role

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NRL CEO Andrew Abdo to Depart for Tennis Australia

"I believe the NRL organization is now strong, innovative and resilient." – Andrew Abdo

Announcement

The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) announced on Monday that NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo will resign from his position to become the CEO of Tennis Australia, effective July 15, 2026.

ARLC Chairman Peter V'landys AM will serve in an executive capacity until a permanent successor is appointed.

Timeline and Transition

Andrew Abdo will remain in his role as NRL CEO for 50 days, until July 15, 2026, to complete ongoing broadcast negotiations and ensure a smooth leadership transition.

Following his departure, ARLC Chairman Peter V'landys will step into an interim operational role.

Background of the Departure

Abdo succeeded Todd Greenberg as NRL CEO in April 2020. Prior to that, he served as the NRL's chief commercial officer from 2013 to 2020.

His departure coincides with two critical negotiations:

  • The next NRL broadcast rights deal (for the period beginning 2028)
  • Talks regarding the NRL's potential purchase of a stake in Europe's Super League

Tennis Australia Context

Abdo will replace outgoing Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley, who announced in February 2025 that he would step down to become CEO of the United States Tennis Association.

International recruitment firm Egon Zehnder was tasked with finding Tiley's replacement, though Abdo's appointment was not part of that formal search process. Abdo stated that Tennis Australia approached him weeks ago and that he made the final decision to accept the role within the last "few hours" prior to the announcement.

Under Tiley's leadership, Tennis Australia's annual revenues reached approximately $700 million, placing the organization behind only the AFL and NRL among Australian sporting bodies.

Stakeholder Statements

"Leading the NRL has been a privilege and the highlight of my career." – Andrew Abdo

Abdo said the decision was driven by a desire for a new challenge and noted that the NRL organization is now "strong, innovative and resilient."

"Andrew is one of the best things that has happened to the game." – Peter V'landys

V'landys expressed personal disappointment, describing Abdo's "professionalism, conscientiousness and work ethic," and stating that the opportunity at Tennis Australia is "well-earned."

Broadcast Rights and Expansion Negotiations

The current NRL broadcast deal and Las Vegas agreement both run through the 2027 season.

V'landys has stated that securing a new broadcast agreement remains a priority before Abdo's departure. He is reportedly seeking a new five-year deal valued at $4 billion ($800 million per year) , which would exceed the AFL's 2022 agreement of $4.5 billion over seven years. Interested parties include Nine Entertainment and Amazon.

Under Abdo's tenure, the NRL expanded to include:

  • The Dolphins (2023)
  • Perth Bears (approved for 2027)
  • PNG Chiefs (approved for 2028)

The collective bargaining agreement with the Rugby League Players' Association is also up for renewal after the 2027 season.

Consideration of Executive Chairman Role

V'landys is considering a proposal to become executive chairman of the NRL, a role that would combine his current position as ARLC chairman with the responsibilities of CEO. This structure is not currently used by other major Australian sporting codes, which typically separate the chair and CEO roles.

To implement this change, the NRL's constitution must be amended, requiring approval from 16 of the 17 NRL clubs and support from the NSW Rugby League and Queensland Rugby League.

Some clubs, including Wests Tigers, Sydney Roosters, Melbourne Storm, and Gold Coast Titans, have publicly supported the idea. However, any two clubs voting against could block the change.

In 2020, during the search for Todd Greenberg's replacement as CEO, V'landys stated that combining the chair and CEO roles was inappropriate and would violate corporate governance principles. He has not yet confirmed whether he will pursue the role now.

Appointment Process

The ARLC will begin a formal process to appoint a new NRL CEO.