PNG NRL broadcast future to respect existing deals

Papua New Guinea will approach future NRL broadcast arrangements with a focus on respecting current agreements and keeping negotiations free from government influence.

ICT Minister Timothy Masiu said established sponsorships, including Telstra’s role as the league’s major sponsor, remain an important part of the NRL’s commercial structure.

 PNG NRL broadcast future to respect existing deals

He said Digicel PNG continues to hold broadcast rights for PNG and the wider Pacific region until the end of the 2027 season, with no formal negotiations yet underway for the 2028–2032 rights period.

That next cycle is expected to coincide with the entry of the PNG Chiefs into the NRL, marking a new chapter for rugby league fans across the country.

Masiu said NBC has improved its broadcast capability following the introduction of digital television services in December 2024, allowing NBCTV to deliver both standard and high-definition content.

Under a future arrangement, NBC could broadcast NRL matches nationally using an international feed, while production remains with overseas broadcasters, gradually building local capacity.

“The negotiations will be commercial, the Government will not be involved, and existing broadcast and sponsorship agreements will be respected,” Masiu said.