NRL in Las Vegas: Peter V’landys reveals preferred timeline for historic decision

The NRL has taken a major step toward making its dream of opening a season in Las Vegas a reality as Peter V’landys declared interest from fans and clubs had been “unbelievable”.

ARL Commission chair Peter V’landys wants the NRL’s Las Vegas dream locked away within weeks after being given the green light by his fellow commissioners to open next season with a double-header in America.

V’Landys told News Corp that the commission meeting on Wednesday had rubber-stamped plans to kick off next year in the states, with as many as four teams heading to Vegas to as part of a sporting and entertainment extravaganza designed to showcase the best of the NRL.

The next step will be for V’landys and NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo to head to America as they look to lock up a venue – Allegiant Stadium is the most likely destination – in preparation for the launch of next season.

“The board has agreed to do a plan, to see if it can happen,” V’landys said.

“We’re moving forward. We will now look at all the logistics of it but I am pretty confident. I have never seen a reaction like it.

“It is unbelievable — punters, clubs, everyone wanting to know the dates. The objective is to make it happen.”

The NRL has taken the next step in its plan to open the season in Las Vegas.

Asked how quickly he wanted the American plans finalised, V’landys said: ”In the next month because you have to give people as much notice as possible if you are going to do it.

“So the next four weeks are crucial.”

The commission meeting on Wednesday was a significant step forward in plans to take on America and potentially tap into the gambling dollars that are on offer.

In an ideal world, the NRL’s plans for a double header would be augmented by a world title fight and UFC bout involving Tim Tszyu and Alexander Volkanovski.

The clubs are likely to be given more details of the NRL’s plans at a scheduled meeting in Brisbane next week prior to the start of Magic Round.

A handful of clubs have already put up their hand to take part in the Las Vegas double header and Manly captain Daly Cherry-Evans on Wednesday endorsed the Sea Eagles’ bid to be part of the landmark occasion.

“I was open to the concept of us potentially going to start the year this year,” Cherry-Evans said.

“It would be so hard to not get caught up in it being a holiday. That is the tricky part because there would be two points on the line.

“But hey, we’re trying to grow the game so I understand it. If we can help grow this game of rugby league and go overseas, why not?”

Peter V’landys is optimistic the Las Vegas concept will become a reality.

BRONCOS WANT TO BRING THE ‘BRIS’ TO VEGAS

Peter Badel

The Broncos have expressed their interest in playing a premiership game in Las Vegas as the NRL prepares to ramp-up talks with US officials to launch the 2024 season in America.

The ARL Commission will discuss the historic Las Vegas double-header proposal at a board meeting on Wednesday and the NRL’s $60 million glamour franchise – the Broncos – could be one of the four clubs ‘Coming to America’.

As revealed by News Corp, ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys and NRL CEO Andrew Abdo have hatched plans to kick-off the 2024 season at the 65,000-seat Allegiant Stadium, home to NFL side Las Vegas Raiders.

Broncos chief executive Dave Donaghy said he is keen on more information from ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys, but confirmed the club is open to launching their 2024 premiership campaign on American soil.

“We are certainly open to it and hearing more about the concept and what the NRL’s long-term plans for the US may be,” Donaghy said.

The Broncos want in on any trip to play in Las Vegas.

“Subject to aligning with our schedule and planning, I’m sure we would have a level of interest to have a discussion about what an NRL double header in Vegas would look like.

“The game is keeping its cards close to its chest for now, but the one thing we want to provide for our players and staff and fans is really great opportunities.

“If you have the opportunity to play an NRL game at a stadium like that in Vegas, it would be negligent of us not to look at and give it serious consideration.”

The NRL previously explored taking a premiership game to the US this year and the Broncos were one of the clubs sounded out by the governing body.

The Broncos, Manly, Souths and the Roosters were among the clubs considered for a showpiece game in America this year, but the NRL put the concept on the backburner for 12 months due to planning and logistical issues.

Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy. Picture: Liam Kidston

The NRL’s American Dream, however, is alive and kicking. The Broncos – as one of the code’s premier brands and highest-rating clubs with audiences – are a frontline contender to be poster boys for the NRL in Vegas.

Donaghy revealed the Broncos were approached by the NRL last year to play a premiership fixture in the Land of Opportunity.

“We will certainly asked the question by the NRL (to play in America) but at that stage it was too late to make it happen,” Donaghy said.

“Playing an NRL premiership fixture overseas is something you need to have planned well in advance.

“To think that you can pick up a foreign game and take it to a new market and create an atmosphere and a level of interest in that time frame, it would have been pretty naive.

“The right call was made to hold it over. Whatever we do as a game, it’s important we do it properly and that it’s well considered.

“I am looking forward to hearing more about it (the Las Vegas concept) next week when the NRL is here for Magic Round.

“As a game, we have danced a bit with the US and the States before.

“In my time, we haven’t had a serious strategy or plan about whether we want to have a red-hot crack at a new and exciting market like the US.”

Broncos prop Tom Flegler, who will join the Dolphins next season, hopes a Queensland team is included in the NRL’s American double header.

“That (NRL games in Vegas) is massive for the sport and I think all teams will be scratching to get that one,” Flegler said.

“It will be pretty cool to go to Vegas and play a game of footy so we will see what happens.

“Obviously it will be great for a Queensland team to be involved in it.

“Just the NRL as a whole, any teams that go over there will do the NRL proud.”

OPINION: A REMARKABLE SPORTING SMORGASBORD

– Phil Rothfield

The NRL since Peter V’landys came on board has become the most innovative sporting organisation in the country.

As a result the game is flying with record TV ratings, memberships, crowds and betting turnover.

There have been some great innovations with the two-point field goals, rules to speed up the game, the Dolphins entry into the competition, Magic Round and more NRL matches in the bush.

The best however is yet to come.

The plan to open the 2024 season in Las Vegas is huuuuge.

Just imagine it – the 65,000-seat home of the Las Vegas Raiders hosting four NRL teams in matches beamed back into Australia.

And having major boxing and UFC events as the supporting acts.

It will be the most remarkable sporting smorgasbord.

Americans love their NFL because of the ball movement and the physicality of the sport.

They will also love the gladiatorial nature of rugby league.

The plan to open the 2024 season in Las Vegas is a huge win. Picture: Getty Images

Through a marketing blitz and the voices of Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe they will know there is an event on.

This will be a weekend where Australia takes over Las Vegas.

The only possible negative is dealing with the distractions that would come when you put four squads of NRL players in Sin City and the city’s notorious night-life.

Sporting nuts right now will be planning their annual leave around a week in America.

This will not be a one-off experiment.

The NRL is determined to get a footprint into America.

It won’t happen overnight but they’ve got to start somewhere.

Las Vegas with four clubs and 68 NRL stars is the perfect launch pad.