The NRL’s second Vegas launch proved significantly more successful in attracting American viewers, with over half a million people tuning in. This year’s event expanded to include a Women’s Test Match and a Super League fixture alongside the two NRL Premiership games at Allegiant Stadium.
A key strategic change was scheduling a match on the FOX Network during the prime 7 PM ET slot, which resulted in an average audience of 371,000 and a total reach exceeding 500,000. An additional 30,000 viewers watched via the WatchNRL app, bringing the average audience to over 400,000.
Nielsen data indicated a 60/40 male-to-female audience split, with the 8 PM to 8:30 PM half-hour segment on FOX alone averaging 403,000 viewers.
Other matches also drew viewership: the Women’s Test Match between the Australian Jillaroos and England Lionesses averaged 54,000 viewers, while the late-night NRL game between the Cronulla Sharks and Penrith Panthers averaged 33,000.
These figures represent a substantial increase from the inaugural Vegas event, which drew 61,000 viewers for the Rabbitohs vs. Sea Eagles game and 16,000 for the Roosters vs. Broncos late-night match.
TV Viewing Figures:
Canberra Raiders v New Zealand Warriors
FOX Network: Average: 371,000 / Reach: 500,000
WatchNRL: Average 30,000
Australian Jillaroos v England Lionesses
FS1: Average: 55,000
Cronulla Sharks v Penrith Panthers
FS1: Average: 33,000
