Minns Government accused of ‘epic failure’ as NFL chooses Melbourne over Sydney
Tourism and business leaders have slammed the Minns government after Victoria won out in the race to bring showcase NFL matches to Australia for three years from 2026 - cementing itself as the nation’s sporting capital.
NSW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Minns government has been slammed for an “epic failure” after Victoria secured a tourism touchdown, with three NFL blockbusters to be played in Melbourne from 2026.
Business and tourism bodies expressed dismay over the southern state’s coup, while Opposition Leader Mark Speakman lashed “a government that always turns up late and empty-handed”.
Victoria secured the in-season NFL matches in a three-year deal sources have told The Daily Telegraph likely exceeded $40m.
The first game at the MCG next year is set to feature the Los Angeles Rams and the Philadelphia Eagles, whose roster boasts Sydney-born superstar and former rugby league player Jordan Mailata.
Speculation has also surfaced that Victoria is poised to secure an agreement with the NBA to stage marquee fixtures in Melbourne.
When Sydney hosted a Major League Baseball match at the SCG in 2014, there were reportedly more than $13m in direct economic benefits and millions more in flow-on impacts.
NSW Tourism Association chief executive Natalie Godward described the NFL announcement as a devastating blow for the state.
“This is an epic failure for the NSW Government and Destination NSW,” she said.
“It’s inexplicable that NSW could … (lose) one of the most sought after pieces of sporting and tourism content in the world.
“This event would have delivered massive economic benefits and global exposure for our state.
“Instead, we are seeing a huge, missed opportunity while Victoria secure world-class events that should be coming here.”
Business Sydney executive director Paul Nicolaou said Sydneysiders were “saddened by the news that Melbourne has again beaten us in securing a major sporting event”.
“These events are crucial to ensure that our hospitality, tourism and retail sectors survive and thrive,” he said.
“The state government should consider establishing a future major events fund.
“That would ensure NSW has appropriate resources to secure unprecedented opportunities, such as the NFL, so they are not lost to other states in the future.”
Premier Chris Minns suggested the NFL matches did not present value for money.
“We looked at it. It’s too expensive,” he said.
“They were after a King’s ransom … we’ve got schools, hospitals and wages we have got to cover.
“If we can get events into NSW that drive economic growth, we are up for it, but not under any circumstances.”
Tourism and Transport Forum chief executive Margy Osmond said every state had to “make choices as to where they get the biggest bang for their buck”.
“The NFL will be terrific for Victoria,” he said.
“NSW will have 17 matches across six weeks during the 2027 Rugby World Cup.”
Mr Speakman and Shadow Minister for Sport Eleni Petinos lamented the NFL decision.
“Victoria will now host one of the world’s biggest sporting codes while NSW is left to watch from the sidelines under a Labor Government too weak to even get in the game,” they said in a joint release.
Originally published as Minns Government accused of ‘epic failure’ as NFL chooses Melbourne over Sydney
‘Vote them out’: Furious residents slam proposed rate rise
Furious residents staring down the barrel of a massive rates rise have heckled North Sydney councillors speaking in favour of a proposed 87 per cent hike at a fiery meeting.
School evacuated after ‘bomb’ threat
An elite school on the Qld-NSW border has been evacuated after a “bomb” threat, causing panicked parents to slam the incident as “not funny, not clever – and not entertainment”.