AFL beats NRL in overall fan numbers: Deloitte report
The NRL final outrated AFL, but the latter has more fans according to Deloitte (screenshot of Reece Walsh about to score)
Recent jousting between the AFL and NRL as to which sporting code is Australia’s most popular has apparently been laid to rest in a comprehensive media habits survey from Deloitte.
AFL leaves rugby league in the shade when it comes to overall fan numbers, according to the Deloitte Media and Entertainment Insights 2025 report. The report found that 42% of Australians consider themselves an AFL fan – the top Australian sport – compared to 30% for NRL, which rated third after tennis.
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The report lands at an inopportune time for the NRL, with the organisation currently in market looking to sell its TV rights. Nine and Foxtel’s existing $1.7 billion five-year rights deal expires in 2027, and Australian Rugby League Commission chair Peter V’landys has said his new deal will beat the $4.5 billion, seven-year contract the AFL signed with Seven and Foxtel in 2022 and due to expire in 2031.
NRL most wach sport in Australia that y number 1 in Australia
Bet if the AFL and NRL were run at the same time .Now that would give you the real result about who follows what.
Amongst younger people, does football/soccer have more fans than NRL?
TV ratings say the Deloitte report is wrong.
umm 2000 people nationally is a tiny sample, i think V’landys will be using the actual numbers of ppl watching across all platforms, media and live and not a pathetic 2000 people sample.
I’d imagine if the 2000 people were all interviewed in Western Sydney it’ll be 100% of the nation watches NRL. It’s a bit of a rubbish report.