NRL suspends season, with Nine’s plans for replacement content not yet clear
The National Rugby League (NRL) has suspended the remainder of its 2020 season, with the sporting code’s chairman, Peter V’landys calling it the “biggest financial crisis the game will face in its history”.
Nine currently holds the broadcast rights to the matches, with the network thus far not commenting to Mumbrella on how it will fill the void in its schedule.
The protective measures the NRL was taking are now no longer enough
Foxtel, which has a dedicated Fox League channel, had live programming from 7am today “to provide league fans with the latest news on the state of play”.
It said the channel will “provide fans with all the latest breaking news and unrivalled insight and analysis into the game”.
Nine, however, was unable to comment at this time.
Yesterday, the NRL announced the closure of its headquarters in Sydney’s Moore Park, and more than 100 staff were told to take annual leave.
The sporting body will review the suspension decision next month, it said.
“In response to both the revised medical advice from government health officials and biosecurity experts, coupled with the travel bans introduced by the Queensland and New Zealand governments, the NRL said it was unable to continue the competition. The Commission will monitor the situation daily and review the competition next month,” it said.
NRL CEO Todd Greenberg did not downplay the impact, warning times will be tough.
Greenberg and V’landys making the announcement
“Our game has never faced a challenge like this. So, while this is a tough day for our game, we know it is a tough time for everyone across the entire community.
“But we respect that the increasing risk means we must act to protect our players, staff and the community,” he said.
“The impact of this decision on those who work within rugby league will be significant. All we can do as a sport, and a community, is remain united and follow the expert advice to keep ourselves and our families safe.”
