Rugby league’s billion-dollar baby launches code

IT was the day rugby league went from weekend footy code to financial superpower.

No longer will the NRL run a poor second behind the cashed-up AFL.

The ARL Commission yesterday announced a five-year broadcasting agreement with Nine and Fox Sports worth $1.025 billion.

Rivals bidders Seven and Ten were shattered at the decision.

The AFL secured a $1.25 billion deal last year but the NRL is still to sell the game’s mobile and website assets, the New Zealand television deal and Australian radio rights.

It is a stunning deal for rugby league and one that will eventually equal the AFL.

‘‘As a television executive, they’ve struck a better deal in total than the AFL, no doubt about it,’’ Nine chief executive David Gyngell said.

‘‘It is very difficult comparing apples and oranges but, pound for pound, this is a bigger deal than the AFL. At the same time we have rights to make it worthwhile to us. It’s part of our DNA. It’s like news and a current affairs.’’

Gyngell said the players would receive pay increases. ‘‘Salary caps are going to increase and the grants to the clubs are going to obviously improve,’’ he said.

‘‘The most important thing is that with the windfall for the game we grow the roots, get more people playing it and fend off the AFL in Sydney, and push them back in Queensland and the Gold Coast.

‘‘That is the heartland of our game. It is the best sporting code on television. It does have the best ratings. We’re in good shape to give the AFL a run for their money.’’

NRL commissioners and representatives from the three commercial stations negotiated all night before yesterday morning’s announcement.

The deal also rules out expansion for the next five years.

‘‘Today we answer the $1 billion question with a $1 billion-plus answer,’’ ARL Commission chairman John Grant said.

‘‘There is no doubt that this ranks, in this country, as one of greatest deals ever. For our games, it’s the greatest deal ever done.

‘‘Fans of the highest-rating sport in the country can look forward to seeing matches week in, week out.’’

Gyngell yesterday took aim at those criticising his station for show-