MORE BRANDS THAN EVER BEFORE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE ULTIMATE MARKETING PLATFORM AS SEASON KICKS OFF LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW 

Following a massive 2025 season, where the NRL proved its status as a cultural powerhouse, Nine has today announced its comprehensive sponsorship lineup for the 2026 Telstra NRL Premiership. 

As the NRL begins its final season before the Perth Bears join in 2027 to stamp rugby league’s presence nationally, Nine is delivering a strategic runway for the code’s expansion by providing an unrivalled ecosystem for its commercial partners.

With more than 145 games live and free on the 9Network, including the jewels in the NRL crown – the exclusive men’s and women’s State of Origin and the blockbuster men’s Finals series – as well as the entire NRLW Premiership, Nine’s rugby league ecosystem gives brands unparalleled access to a diverse audience at scale. 

For the 2026 season, Nine welcomes back a who’s who of iconic brands while introducing fresh category leaders to the fold. The lineup is headlined by Telstra, Harvey Norman, McDonald’s, Youi Insurance and Sportsbet, all of whom maintain significant category exclusivity across the Men’s and Women’s Premierships, State of Origin, and the Finals Series. 

Joining them are Ford, Kia, and Isuzu UTE, alongside Westpac, Chemist Warehouse, and Lion. Newcomers Carnival Cruise Line and Jim Beam join as a full Sunday Afternoon sponsor, while Universal Pictures takes a strategic position within the State of Origin series.

“Nine’s offering goes from strength to strength and, for brands, our ‘always on’ strategy provides the ultimate marketing platform that spans the majority of the year,” says Andrew Cann, Nine’s National Commercial Director – Sport. “We are privileged to welcome back our returning partners and sponsors, as well as the new brands joining us.” 

With 77% of fans* agreeing that Nine’s broadcast of the NRL offers the best viewing experience across all sporting events, and 79% of fans* viewing the NRL as a strong endorser for brands, the 2026 season is set to be the most effective marketing platform in Australian sport.

Nine’s 2026 strategy, ‘More Tackles & More Wins’, focuses on the 24/7 fan experience. Partners will now benefit from Australia’s first fully virtual 360-degree studio – utilised during the Winter Olympics – and enhanced player storytelling that bridges the gap between the field and the living room. This innovation allows fans to be brought closer to the action than ever before, providing brands with integrated, premium touchpoints that deliver genuine cut-through.

NRL on Nine provides brands with an increasing number of platforms to connect with rugby league fans through Nine’s 24/7 content and conversations, including 100% Footy as well as the iconic Wide World of Sports every Sunday, through to podcasts, 9Now specials and radio’s WWOS Continuous Call Team.

Commercial opportunities have also been refreshed, including a high-impact 15-second Solus spot immediately following conversion attempts on Nine Radio’s Continuous Call Team, ensuring brands are at the forefront of the game’s most intense moments.

“In 2026, we are going beyond the full 80 minutes to ensure brands connect with highly-engaged NRL fans like never before,” says Sarah Stewart, Nine’s Director of Content Partnerships and Client Experience in Powered. “We will be delivering nearly 900 hours of NRL content this year and, with the upcoming entry of the Perth Bears in 2027, we are providing a runway for brands to activate their marketing campaigns on a national scale never before seen in the NRL.” 

From the grassroots support within NRL programming to the analysis from legends like Billy Slater, Phil Gould, and Johnathan Thurston, Nine’s NRL ecosystem remains in a league of its own.

The 9Network’s coverage of Round 1 of the NRL Premiership season continues tonight from 7.30pm with Melbourne Storm versus the Parramatta Eels, followed by Friday Night Footy (Broncos v Panthers) and Sunday Arvo Footy (Dolphins v Rabbitohs).

1 Source: Publicis Sport & Entertainment, Sep25Q25Q5. 
2 Source: Publicis Sport & Entertainment: DEC24Q1. 

Thursday 5 March, 2026