NRL considering shortening Las Vegas slate in 2026 due to poor crowd numbers

The Australian National Rugby League (NRL) is considering reducing its Las Vegas event from four games to three next year. Chairman Peter V'landys has acknowledged that fluctuating audience numbers have become a concern. This adjustment aims to optimize the event experience and better cater to the fans' needs while ensuring a more consistent attendance throughout the day.

The NRL's second outing in Sin City concluded on Sunday (Australian Eastern Time), featuring two NRL matches, one Super League game, and a Women's Test match. A total of 45,209 fans flocked to Allegiant Stadium to watch the games, doubling the number of events from the 2024 Vegas trip, which only featured two NRL matches. However, the lengthy schedule proved inconvenient for some viewers, causing a noticeable drop in attendance as the day progressed.

Allegiant Stadium's no re-entry policy meant that fans who watched from the first game and left after the fourth had to stay inside the stadium for up to nine hours. While only combined audience figures are available, it was clear that the stadium was at its fullest during the second game – Canberra vs. Warriors – before steadily declining. The stands were noticeably emptier during the heavyweight clash between Cronulla and Penrith, a game that was theoretically the most anticipated of the day, highlighting the impact of the long duration on spectator engagement.

V'landys revealed to the Australian Associated Press (AAP) that the league is already revising the number of games for the third year of its five-year agreement. "We are considering three games next year," he said. "(Because) it was too long, and fans left after their team played." Spreading the games over two days is unlikely due to the greater financial burden it would impose. Therefore, how the NRL will reconfigure the schedule will be a point of contention, requiring careful consideration of fan preferences and logistical constraints.

The Super League match between Wigan and Warrington attracted approximately 10,000 fans from the UK. St. George Illawarra, Canterbury, Newcastle, and North Queensland have also expressed interest in participating in NRL matches in Vegas next year. League executives also need to study how best to promote women's games in the United States, following the Jillaroos' 90-4 victory over England. One option could be to have the Jillaroos face New Zealand or stage a Women's State of Origin match, both of which could be more competitive and attract a wider audience.

Meanwhile, Penrith coach Ivan Cleary supports calls for organizers to consider including the World Club Challenge in the Vegas schedule. Including the clash between the NRL and Super League champions could allow the NRL to reduce one game from each league's schedule while still maintaining solid engagement from both fan bases. "I think we should (have the World Club Challenge in Vegas)," the Panthers coach said. "I definitely think it's part of rugby league that needs to live."