Potential NRL deal would allow Super League to ‘thrive’

The NRL has yet to make a formal investment proposal, but Abdo added that the basis for a deal “needs to be finalized relatively quickly over the next few weeks” with both parties negotiating a new broadcast deal.

Meanwhile, Rhodri Jones, head of RL Commercial, the agency that manages the sport’s UK commercial rights, called the talks “encouraging”.

“The sport is open to investment,” Jones told BBC Sport. “The NRL is a natural fit. They are probably our frontline leaders in negotiations with all parties at the moment.

“I don’t think it’s going to be a long process because we’ve already made some plans for the 2027 season and the sooner investors get on board, the better for everyone.”

Jones said the Super League had already experienced a “growth trajectory” and the investment would “accelerate” it.

Asked if the ARLC wanted to decide on the composition of the independent committee that would govern the Super League, Jones said: “That’s their current request.

“But at the moment, you could say it’s a ‘red line’ because representation in the British game is important. Our governance structure already has independence.

“I think there is a workable solution between the two parties that would give the ARLC some comfort that they have some control, but equally UK Games still have some control over how the space is run.

“This is not an acquisition. It is an investment but it is also a partnership. Yes, there is capital available, but there are also synergies between two competitions in the same sport and the NRL can bring expertise to the game in the UK.

“This is about the globalization of the sport. It’s about ensuring the future of the sport and making sure the sport can be seen in as many territories as possible.”

“One of the key parts of the conversation was, ‘This can’t flow directly into the club and impact players’ wages and increase players’ wages’.

“Yes, it flows to the clubs, but it also has to serve the centres. So it has to look after the women’s game, the wheelchair game and the community game.”