The neon lights of Las Vegas shone even brighter this year as the NRL’s second foray into the entertainment capital proved a resounding success, building significantly on the foundation laid in its inaugural year. The Rugby League Las Vegas event, culminating in a thrilling Saturday quadruple-header at Allegiant Stadium, demonstrated impressive year-on-year growth across key performance indicators, solidifying its potential as a major fixture on the sporting calendar.
The most visible sign of success was the increased attendance. A roaring crowd of 45,209 fans packed Allegiant Stadium, surpassing last year’s impressive figure of 40,746. This growth wasn’t just about numbers announced, with the NRL enjoying substantial revenue gains. With ticket prices increased by up to 50% in certain categories, and a reduction in discount promotions, showcasing a growing confidence in the event’s appeal.
Beyond the stadium gates, the economic ripple effect of the event was palpable. Reports indicate a surge in out-of-market travellers, with visitors staying longer in Las Vegas compared to the previous year. This extended stay, coupled with increased spending, puts the event well on track to surpass the projected USD60 million economic impact, a significant jump from last year’s USD45 million.
While official TV ratings are still pending, the NRL is optimistic about achieving higher cumulative viewership. The Warriors vs. Raiders clash, broadcast during prime time on the East Coast via Fox Network, is expected to deliver strong numbers, whilst the Jillaroos v Lionesses and Panthers v Sharks games had their time on Fox Sports 1 undisrupted this year.
The success extended beyond the main event. Preceding the stadium action, a series of supporting events enjoyed significant growth.
The Nines tournament witnessed a surge in participation, with over 30 teams from the USA, Canada, Greece, and Australia competing in both men’s and women’s divisions, whilst the Masters also expanded, welcoming teams from England and Wales alongside Australia, Canada, and the USA.
The Vegas Test match transformed into a double-header, featuring both the Men’s and Women’s USA Hawks facing off against Greece.
The Players Combine doubled in size, attracting 100 aspiring athletes. This expanded pool of talent yielded impressive results, with US Olympic sevens star Adam Channel and Canadian rugby union representative Marcus D’Acre securing men’s contracts, and Columbian sevens representative Maria Arzuaga and Canada’s Renee Gonzalez earning women’s contracts.
While the core event’s format may still require some fine-tuning, including future match-ups and game structures, the Rugby League Las Vegas event has undeniably demonstrated promising improvements and established a strong foundation for future growth. The NRL’s bold gamble on Sin City is paying off, signaling a bright future for rugby league in the United States.
Vegas Results:
Wigan Warriors 48-24 Warrington Wolves
Canberra Raiders 30-8 New Zealand Warriors
Australian Jillaroos 90-4 England Women
Penrith Panthers 28-22 Cronulla Sharks
