Sport
28 February, 2026
NRL in Las Vegas and NFL in Australia - go figure!
Statistics reveal that there are 1.7 million adult Australians who follow the NFL (grid-iron) and interest in the sport is growing rapidly.
Whilst the National Rugby League (NRL) persevere with the Las Vegas launch to their season and try to get a toe hold in the American sports market the American National Football League (NFL-grid iron) is quietly getting a substantial following right here in Australia.
The NFL have a dedicated office on the Gold Coast and an NFL Academy that is nurturing potential NFL players.
NFL games are readily available in Australia with live games being televised by way of streaming or pay TV plus on a free to air channel.
A regular season NFL game is due to be played in Melbourne this year and in ensuing years and is expected to draw a huge crowd and create much interest in the code.
According to the stats the Australian interest in the NFL is the same as the Australian interest in the Australian National Basketball League!
In terms of interest by Australians in overseas sporting competitions the NFL is ranked second, with only the English Premier League (soccer) sitting above it!
So, whilst the NRL might be pleased with the way things are going over there in Sin City they perhaps should be a little concerned about what is happening on the NFL front back here in Australia!
Perhaps more resources should be going towards grassroot development and less dollars going to the overseas launch!?!
