Will the 2024 NRL Season Start in Vegas?
Last updated: Jun 7, 2023, 6:26AM | Published: Jun 7, 2023, 6:21AM
The NRL is planning to launch the 2024 season with a double-header in Las Vegas.
According to news.com.au, the NRL plans to kick off its Vegas residency with the double-header, eventually leading to all 17 teams featuring as part of a 10-game deal that's set to run until the end of 2028.
The Sea Eagles, Rabbitohs, and Storm have expressed interest in kicking off the 2024 campaign at Allegiant Stadium in Vegas.
NRL boss Peter V'landys said he is close to finalising a deal to start the 2024 NRL season in America.
"Vegas will go ahead," he said.
"I believe in the next two weeks it will be sorted; we are very close.
"(The double-header plan) has now gone from being a three-day event to a whole week promoting Australia.
"We are talking to a number of parties, and the more we speak, the more it's becoming Australia Week in Vegas."
Which NRL teams will play in Las Vegas? 🤔🎲#9WWOS #NRL pic.twitter.com/wOsPRyfofu
— NRL on Nine (@NRLonNine) April 30, 2023
Australian actors Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe have been identified as potential ambassadors given their ties to the Sea Eagles and Rabbitohs, respectively, with Irish rockers U2 being approached to be part of the program.
"We are talking with Las Vegas tourism right now, and they are keen on supporting us with Australia Week," V'landys said.
U2 is due to hold a September-December residency in Las Vegas, but no plans have been announced for 2024 yet.
According to Scott Penn, the owner of the Manly Sea Eagles, rugby league is the ideal sport to complement the NFL in Las Vegas, along with their NFL predictions.
"There's 350 million Americans who love the gladiatorial nature of NFL," Penn said.
"They'll love the NRL as well. It's going to be an entertainment showcase."
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(Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
