Dolphins' three-year agreement secures Darwin as annual NRL destination

The NRL Dolphins have signed a three-year agreement - secured by the Northern Territory Government in partnership with the NRL - to bring top-tier rugby league to the Territory while showcasing Darwin to sports fans.

The new partnership confirms the NRL Dolphins will play an annual match in Darwin from 2026 to 2028.

Under the deal, the Dolphins will play annually at Darwin’s TIO Stadium with the home game to increase tourism visitation. Interstate fans can experience such activities as swimming in waterfalls at Litchfield National Park or getting the adrenaline pumping with a jet ski experience or crocodile encounter by day, and by night barracking for the Dolphins.

This announcement follows the Dolphins’ successful 2024 Darwin debut, where they defeated the Parramatta Eels 44–16 in front of a passionate crowd of local and interstate fans. Their return further cements the Top End as a growing hotspot for fans to experience live premium sport in a unique destination. 

Dolphins NRL Chief Executive Terry Reader shared “The Dolphins know the Northern Territory well after playing a game there last year and have also been involved in several community engagement tours there with existing partners over the past two years."

“We are excited about locking in three NRL matches in Darwin over the next three years and the opportunities that will provide us to continually engage with the people of the NT.”

NT Department of Tourism and Hospitality Chief Executive Suzana Bishop noted “the Dolphins locking in a home game in Darwin for the next three years is a huge win for sport and tourism in the Territory.

“It will attract fans from across Australia, boost local businesses, and give visitors even more reason to stay longer and discover everything the NT has to offer.”

“Major events like this go beyond the game – they build community pride, drive tourism, and inject energy into the local economy,” she added. “We’re not just delivering rugby league, we’re delivering an unforgettable Territory experience.”

The Dolphins’ matches will join the Northern Territory’s standout major events calendar, which includes Parrtjima – A Festival in Light, BASSINTHEGRASS, the betr Darwin Triple Crown, and MXGP of Australia. Visitors are encouraged to the NT through these unique events, with travellers also taking the opportunity to explore the region and culture from sunset markets by the beach in Darwin to the breathtaking Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa.

Visitors can explore Northern Territory’s rich culture and diverse experiences including the range of unique events on offer at northernterritory.com