Super League’s deal with NRL in danger of collapse as Peter V’landys reveals ‘trouble’

Peter V’landys has admitted those at the top tables are ‘having trouble making the figures work’ for an investment deal between Super League and the NRL.

The NRL’s proposed investment into Super League has been at the very top of the agenda for nigh on 12 months now.

Earlier this week, Rugby Football League and RL Commercial chief Rhodri Jones told LoveRugbyLeague that the NRL’s key stakeholders had flown in to the UK to talk to Super League clubs, with ‘significant progress’ expected soon.

Jones said: “We’re very hopeful that we’ll make some significant progress with the NRL over the next seven days.

“We’ve been engaged with them since May, but they’ve now done their TV deal, so I can say it feels like we’re their top priority.

“It’s still with them to come back to us. We’re hopeful we’ll get something very soon.”

Down Under however, Australian supremo V’landys has made clear there is no certainty a deal will be agreed.

Reports suggest one main sticking point is that Sky Sports are ‘reluctant’ to offer a broadcast deal for Super League which would satisfy the NRL’s investment strategy.

‘Unless the figures work, we wont do it… we’re having trouble making the figures work, that’s the truth of it’

Underlining the British game’s need for NRL investment, the Australian competition posted record revenues of ~£445 million in 2025 – and has recently secured a broadcast deal worth just shy of £3 billion.

Super League meanwhile is still working on a broadcast deal for 2027 and beyond, with Sky – who have been the competition’s main partner since it began back in 1996 – understood to not wish to show all seven games each weekend any longer.

Chair of the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) and Executive Chair of the NRL, V’landys told Code Sports: “Look, we’re trying to make the figures work at the moment, but unless the figures work, we won’t do it.

“We’re having trouble making the figures work, that’s the truth of it.

“I don’t know what will happen. I find it very tough (to proceed with a purchase).”

The Super League picture is not all under a cloud, with plenty of success experienced already this season.

Most recently, the competition enjoyed a record-breaking Magic Weekend at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and a deal was struck with Premier League outfit Everton for the event to return to their home again in 2027.

V’landys added: “We need to talk further with Super League. We haven’t put a proposal into them yet.

“We understand the importance of the international game, so we’re not giving up.”