Racing
League
Rugby
Cricket
Golf
Motorsport
Combat Sports
Football
Netball
Basketball
Other Sports
Sport Nation
How to tune into Sport NationDay-time NRL Grand Final 'will be considered'
SEN • September 30th, 2025 2:20 pm
An afternoon timeslot for future NRL Grand Finals is on the table, according to chief executive Andrew Abdo.
The Sunday night kick-off time has long been backed given it’s the start of daylight savings. Moreover, it is a blockbuster time for broadcast.
But with the 2025 season proving that Sunday afternoon matches have been a tremendous success, the topic of moving the NRL Grand Final time is being debated again.
“Sunday afternoons have been successful with record TV ratings and we’re looking at it,” Abdo told the media.
“Last weekend alone, our numbers were up 34 per cent in Australia and New Zealand.
“We will negotiate a new media rights agreement in due course; one of the conversations we’ll have is looking at the time slots.
“At this stage, we’re not going to change what is contracted, but of course, we’re going to look at it for the future.
“However, it is something we can discuss in negotiations for the next broadcast deal.
“We would also have to consult all major stakeholders."
Shaun Johnson takes Guess The Guest to the studio | Scotty & Izzy
This year’s Grand Final between Melbourne Storm and the Brisbane Broncos will get underway at 7:30pm AEST (9.30pm NZ time) but will be preceded by the NRLW Grand Final at 4pm (6pm NZT).
For some, it is an appealing afternoon to evening offering of sport but there remains the possibility of the women’s competition having a standalone game in the future.
Former NRL and Football Australia chief executive David Gallop sees pros for both twilight and night time.
“There was a period when the incremental TV revenue for a night game was critical and that may not be the case any more; that equation with the broadcasters is important,” he said.
“I liked the year (the final) kicked off at 5pm in NSW, which was 4pm in Queensland with daylight savings, because it meant the game finished in the dark with the presentation and the appearance of a night game…and the benefits that brings. Firecrackers always look better at night.”
