NRL double-header in Las Vegas generates more than 33,000 ticket sales

This weekend’s season opening NRL double-header in the USA city of Las Vegas is reported to have generated ticket sales in excess of 33,000.

Being held at 65,000 Allegiant Stadium, adjacent to the Las Vegas Strip - where the Super Bowl took place just three weeks ago - the fixtures between the Manly Sea Eagles and South Sydney Rabbitohs followed by the Sydney Roosters playing the Brisbane Broncos are the first in a five-year deal to develop the game in North America.

Speaking following the announcement of the NRL’s record financial result in 2023, newly re-elected Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman, Peter V’landys advised of the ticket-sales but cautioned that “a lot of things could go wrong”.

V’landys told 7NEWS Sydney’s Mel McLaughlin “I’m excited but at the same time very nervous. Naturally it’s a big gamble, it’s a big risk for the game.

“This has unlimited potential, especially financially. It could generate tens of millions if not hundreds of millions over a period of time.”

In addition to the two fixtures, NRL will also host the Las Vegas 9s tournament and a talent competition to go in search of four American athletes who could have the potential to star in Australia.

NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo added that while hoping for as big a crowd as possible in Las Vegas, the sport has other goals.

Abdo told radio station 2GB Sports “it’s about more than the live crowd.

“This is a long-term strategy to win fans in America and so it’s less about who is there for the double-header and more about who is interested in following our players and our clubs throughout the season.”

With sports gambling legalised in an increasing number of US states, the NRL is also looking to tap into this fast growing market, hoping to agree a wagering deal with a US company, which could stream games to customers, from which it will receive a cut of all bets made on the competition.

Rugby league’s previously forays in to the USA saw an exhibition State of Origin game in 1987, the Kangaroos take on the USA in 2004 and a Test between New Zealand and England in Denver in 2018.

Images: The NRL's Provans-Summons Trophy - previously the Telstra Premiership Trophy - in Las Vegas (top, credit: NRL) and Las Vegas' Allegiant Stadium (below).