The NRL grand final has set a new television ratings record, drawing an average audience of 4.46 million viewers for the Brisbane Broncos' 26-22 victory over the Melbourne Storm. This marks the first time in ten years that the NRL decider has outperformed the AFL grand final in average viewership, with the AFL match averaging 4.18 million nine days earlier.
The Channel Nine broadcast reached a total of 6.4 million Australians at some point, matching the AFL's reach. Nine's managing director for streaming and broadcast, Amanda Laing, described the ratings as 'phenomenal' and attributed them to the network's commitment to free-to-air access, which she said helps grow the sport's fan base nationwide.
The close contest, with the result uncertain until the final minute, kept viewers engaged for longer compared to the AFL grand final, where Brisbane's defeat of Geelong appeared likely early in the final term. The record audience comes as the NRL negotiates a new broadcast deal starting in 2028, with Nine, Seven, and Foxtel/Kayo expected to bid.
The last time an NRL grand final beat the AFL in ratings was in 2015, when the Broncos lost to the Cowboys on a late field goal. Despite the NRL's narrow victory this year, the AFL grand final was the most-watched since 2005, with pre-match entertainment by Snoop Dogg drawing higher numbers than Katy Perry the previous year.
