Rugby league could soon be going global in a way that's never been done before.
The NRL is exploring a radical plan to begin its 2027 season with all nine opening-round matches played in different cities across the world - a concept dubbed 'Global Round.'
The idea, first reported by The Sydney Morning Herald, is being championed by ARLC chairman Peter V'Landys and NRL CEO Andrew Abdo.
Building on the league's Las Vegas experiment, the pair are now investigating whether the NRL can stage a 24-hour, multi-continent celebration of the greatest game of all.
It's early days, but if it happens, Global Round would mark a defining moment for the NRL and a clear statement about rugby league's international ambitions.
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Everything you need to know about NRL Global Round
What is NRL Global Round?
In short, Global Round would be the NRL's 2027 season opener - with every team playing abroad.
That's 18 clubs, nine games, and potentially five countries all hosting matches in the same weekend.
The proposal aims to create a unique global sporting event spanning several different time zones.
Rather than a couple of overseas fixtures, as in previous Las Vegas openers, Global Round would turn the start of the NRL season into an international spectacle that introduces the sport to new audiences from Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North America.
Where might the matches be played?
Several regions are being considered as part of the NRL's research.
Europe
The concept could reportedly head to France, with Toulouse being promoted into the Super League joining Catalans in the top-tier European competition.
London is another likely host, with stadiums such as Wembley, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and the Emirates under discussion.
North America
The United States remains a central pillar of the plan.
Potential venues reportedly include Miami, Nashville, Los Angeles, San Diego and Hawaii.
The NRL is also mindful of the proposed 2030 North American rugby league World Cup and wants to establish a stronger foothold in the U.S market.
Asia and the Middle East
Hong Kong and Dubai are reportedly emerging as front-runners in this region, while Singapore is another option on the table.
V'Landys close ties to Hong Kong's business sector could be pivotal in building partnerships for the event.
How could it work?
One of the formats reportedly being tested would see matches staggered around the globe to create an almost continuous broadcast - a full 24 hours of NRL action.
The effect would be a world-spanning broadcast marathon: a continuous showcase designed to keep the spotlight on rugby league across multiple continents and time zones.
Why would the NRL pursue a global round?
The motivation is both strategic and commercial.
The NRL sees an opportunity to turn its growing international presence into something greater with the added benefit of significant financial returns.
With the league's current five-year broadcast deal that is set to expire at the end of 2027, a successful Global Round could be a powerful asset in future negotiations.
A worldwide opening weekend would be a compelling product for networks and sponsors looking for global reach. At the same time, the event would give players international exposure.
What happens next?
Global Round remains a concept with a lot of work still to be done in the interim.
V'Landys and Abdo are reportedly meeting with tourism bodies, broadcasters, and stadium operators overseas to determine whether the plan is viable.
If the stars align, the 2027 NRL season could kick off with something unprecedented: nine matches played in nine cities across three continents, all within a single weekend.
It would be a logistical feat, a broadcast milestone, and a bold step in transforming the NRL into a truly global sporting brand.