Yahoo News Super League secures Las Vegas fixture in fresh evidence of NRL takeover interest
Super League is heading to Las Vegas. The competition will be represented in Sin City next year, with Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves securing a place at the NRL's new event in 2025.
The two clubs will open up an epic day of rugby league at the Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, March 1st, with England's women's side also in action as they take on the Jillaroos. The two matches are part of an expanded Vegas weekend hosted by the NRL after a successful first event this year. Penrith Panthers, the reigning NRL champions, will also be involved as they take on Cronulla Sharks, while Canberra Raiders will take on New Zealand Warriors.
It ensures Super League will have a presence in one of the sport's biggest events, with 40,746 people attending the inaugural attempt to push the sport into Vegas. Organisers are hopeful that the inclusion of two of the British game's top clubs will help boost that figure, with over 5,000 UK supporters believed to have attended last year despite it being an NRL-only event.
Rhodri Jones, RL Commercial Managing Director, said: “To have Betfred Super League featuring when Rugby League returns to Las Vegas in 2025, as well as an historic international fixture for England Women, is a mouth-watering prospect and a huge opportunity for the sport. We are looking forward to working closely with Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves, our commercial and broadcast partners and the NRL to ensure the weekend is another massive success.”
It means Wigan have finally gotten their wish of playing in the event, months after attempting to get the World Club Challenge on the billing. The match will be considered as one of their 'home' games in the 2025 season.
Kris Radlinski, the Chief Executive of Wigan Warriors, said: "I think many of us in the UK watched the games in Las Vegas earlier in the year and wished they could be a part of it, either playing or supporting. I spoke to my Board about the possibility and there was a unanimous desire to be part of the occasion.”
With thousands of British Rugby League fans expected to seize the chance to be part of this historic occasion, a wide variety of ticket and travel packages will go on sale later this month.
The news comes at a time when there is increasing speculation surrounding the NRL's interest in purchasing Super League. Talks are expected to continue in the coming weeks with a view of essentially taking over the competition.
Andrew Abdo, the NRL CEO, said: “Las Vegas 2025 will be a bigger, bolder and better festival of Rugby League. The 2025 Las Vegas event will feature two highly anticipated NRL Premiership matches to open the season, the 2024 UK Challenge Cup finalists, Wigan and Warrington, and a Test match showcasing some of the most elite women’s players from both hemispheres.
“We’ve given fans the opportunity to plan early and take advantage of the Las Vegas festival experience – a true bucket list item for all Rugby League and sports fans. Thank you to all the participating teams who will now get the chance to perform on a global stage with huge exposure.”
Rugby League Las Vegas Festival 2025 – Saturday March 1
Betfred Super League – Wigan Warriors v Warrington Wolves (1:30pm PST / 9:30pm GMT)
NRL – Canberra Raiders v New Zealand Warriors (4:00pm PST / 11:00am Midnight GMT)
Test Match - Australian Jillaroos vs England Women (6:00pm PST / 2am GMT March 2)
NRL – Penrith Panthers vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks (8:30pm PST / 430am GMT March 2)
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