Can DAZN Make The NRL Deal Pay Off?

The NRL got its record media rights deal. But signing the contract was the easy part. Now DAZN has to make the economics work. Former DAZN executive Murray Barnett joins Moneyball – The Business of Sport to explain what happens after one of the biggest sports broadcasting agreements in Australian history is signed. How do you justify paying billions of dollars for one competition? Will Kayo Sports and Foxtel subscribers eventually pay more? Can DAZN grow the NRL internationally? And what does this deal mean for every other Australian sport competing for broadcast money, sponsors and audience attention? Scott Keenan and Murray unpack how DAZN approached its first major Australian rights negotiation after acquiring Foxtel, why retaining the NRL was strategically critical, and how global streaming companies recover the cost of billion-dollar sports rights. The conversation also explores what DAZN learned from France and other international markets, whether rugby league can become a genuine global property, what Formula One's growth can teach the NRL, and why the AFL, NBL, Super Netball, rugby union, Supercars and the A-Leagues will all be watching closely. About the guest Murray Barnett is the founder of 26West Sport, advising rights holders, broadcasters, brands and events on media rights strategy, sponsorship and commercialisation. He previously held senior leadership positions at DAZN, ESPN, Formula One, World Rugby and the Irish Football Association, and hosts The Bundle podcast on the Unofficial Partner network. About Moneyball Moneyball – The Business of Sport explores the intersection of sport, money, media and culture. Hosted by Australian sports business commentator Scott Keenan, the show takes fans behind the headlines to explain the commercial decisions shaping modern sport. New episodes feature interviews and analysis covering media rights, sponsorship, ownership, finance, strategy and the business behind the biggest stories in sport. 📩 Questions, guest suggestions or commercial enquiries: [email protected]