The Australian Rugby League Commission has officially tabled a deal to purchase 50% of the Super League in a bid to strengthen the code internationally, with most of the English clubs currently struggling financially.
The Sydney Morning Herald is reporting $11.47 million annually over five years has been tabled to help ease the financial pressure and keep the sport afloat in the Northern Hemisphere in the push for international recognition.
The offer, which was tabled to the Rugby League Commercial on Thursday, will then have the funds distributed to the Super League teams which are struggling.
It is understood the NRL governing body will take over the Super League, funded by the record-breaking $5.3 million TV broadcast deal with DAZN and Nine, which was finalised in July to kick off in 2028.
It opens plenty of opportunities for NRL sides to pursue partnerships with English clubs, which include using teams as a 'feeder' into the NRL system, including pathways programs to identify young British talent to make the switch to the NRL.
The Super League confirmed the Commission tabled an offer to strengthen the English competition.
“RL Commercial can confirm that a first offer has been received from the ARLC (the Australian Rugby League Commission, which governs the NRL in Australia) as part of the sport's recapitalisation project,” the Super League said in a statement.
“The Super League clubs have been informed this morning. Details of the offer remain confidential.”
The World Club Challenge, where the two champion sides in both competitions come together to clash, along with the Las Vegas endeavour, are two initiatives run by the NRL to boost the face of the Super League.
It's expected there will be more cross-competition plans to have both enterprises united and staying connected to invigorate the Super League.
Reports reveal the NRL and DAZN will work on a subscription to have both NRL and Super League fixtures available to British fans.
It includes Japan, England and Hong Kong as potential locations to take an NRL fixture to in the future.
The NRL has been heavily ambitious in globalising the sport, showcased in the five-year contract with the Nevada government to have Round 1 take place in Las Vegas since 2024.
It has since been a commercial success, while also giving the Super League clubs exposure to NRL markets when two sides face-off in the triple-header.
I fear the worst.