Hi, we’re the National Rugby Football League (NRFL), the group building the leading entertainment & media company in rugby globally.
The Scrum is our monthly newsletter in which we recap the latest happenings with the league, share insights into the sports investment market, and highlight some of the biggest news in the world of rugby, both on and off the pitch.
League Progress & Happenings
Here’s how the league has progressed since our update last month:
We’re welcoming new investors: We launched the NRFL digital roadshow and data room, a portal where potential investors can learn more about the NRFL and the opportunity to own a piece of the next major sports property in America. To gain access, email sryan@thenrfl.com.
We launched an email series: We kicked off our bi-weekly email series where we introduce subscribers to NRFL team members and dive deeper into the league’s development roadmap. Subscribe here.
Market Trends
Recent media coverage has shed light on the challenges faced by talented and passionate rugby players within the current landscape. The circumstances that have hindered the progress of these players are rooted in the operational structures of existing leagues. (Read More)
Sports tech investing funds raised cash at a record clip to start 2023, suggesting the back half of 2023 and 2024 should see robust deal-making, according to a new report from investment bank Drake Star Partners. (Read More)
A switch from RSNs to league-backed broadcasting, as led by MLB’s acquisition of the Padres’ broadcasting rights, signifies a shift in overall sports viewership from local networks to league-produced content. (Read More)
Challenger leagues are adopting an appointment viewing system, meaning that the games of up-and-coming leagues will take place at the same time every week. This move encourages fans to incorporate watching into their schedules, increasing viewership and overall investment in up-and-coming leagues. (Read More)
Global Rugby News
Octagon has expanded its rugby sector with the acquisition of ProSport International’s rugby division. The move signifies a trend among US-headquartered agencies to expand their efforts in rugby in recent years, believing in the sport’s untapped commercial potential. (Read More)
The USA Men’s National Rugby Team is set to host France’s Stade Toulousain in Sandy, Utah this September. This unprecedented event will take place at America First Field, which can seat up to 20,000 American rugby fans. (Read More)
June 20 marked the 35th anniversary of the first-ever Rugby World Cup, where New Zealand took down France to take home the title. The event has been held in various countries since then, with the US set to host in 2031.
Want to learn more about the NRFL? Check out our website or reach out to info@thenrfl.com.